SB NATION's Tom Ziller notes players in the new NBA 2K League will earn a salary of $32,000-35,000, which is "more than most NBA G League players." Meanwhile, the minimum salary for WNBA players this season "will be $41,000." Salaries in both the G League and WNBA "ought to be higher," but that has "nothing to do with the 2K League." Ziller: "Don't begrudge professional 2K players their relatively modest salaries" (SBNATION.com, 4/5).
NEED FOR SPEED: ESPN.com's Nate Saunders noted F1 teams will be "granted official entries into the series' second esports championship season" this year, which "includes an NFL-style draft and a $200,000 prize fund for the winners." Following the "hugely successful" inaugural esports championship in '17, the format has been "significantly expanded" for '18. F1's announcement yesterday "confirmed every team except Ferrari has signed up to take part and offer positions to esports drivers later in the season." The new season will begin April 13 (ESPN.com, 4/4).
GROWING CLOSER: PRO SOCCER USA's Brian Trusdell wrote the purpose in creating CONCACAF's Champions League was to "find a second revenue stream that could make money for the confederation and help fund all its other tournaments and activities." As the Champions League "works toward closing its 10th season, confederation officials say the original objective is starting to materialize." But challenges "clearly remain," like getting MLS fans to "accept the importance of the tournament" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 4/2).
