The NBA today sought to imbue its new video game league with the full brand awareness and reputation of the real-life sport at the inaugural NBA 2K League Draft. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was a prominent presence in the Hulu Theater at MSG, posing for a photo with all 102 players available to be drafted shortly before picking started. He also announced the first overall choice -- Mavs Gaming selected Artreyo “Dimez” Boyd -- before turning the stage over to 2K League Managing Dir Brendan Donohue. While speaking to the media, Silver said he considers the 2K league an extension of the brand in the same vein as the WNBA and G League. “Now this is the fourth league in our family, and that’s exactly how we’re treating it,” he said.
Silver also weighed in conclusively on the much-debated question of whether gamers should be considered “athletes.” He said, “I see them as athletes because I think it requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills to excel.” Adding to the authentic feel of the draft, Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban called Boyd moments before the pick was announced and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news a few minutes before it was official.
For more coverage of the business of esports, visit our partners, esportsobserver.com.
