NBA 2K League Launches Revamped Version, Collaborates with NBPA

• NBA 2K League to make the basketball lifestyle more popular than ever.
• The first season of the revamped version includes competitive reality series and open fan competitions.
• Take-Two CEO is positive about the profitable turnout of this “entertainment universe.”

The NBA 2K League (2KL) formally launched a revamped version on November 3, 2025, under a joint venture by NBA Take-Two Media (NBAT2), where gaming would merge with basketball lifestyle, creator culture, and fan engagement, creating a larger “entertainment universe.”

A new multi-year collaboration with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is a vital part of this revamped game, which allows NBA players to participate more actively in league events.

NBA 2K League (2KL): What will the Revamped Game Contain?

Six NBA clubs will compete in the first season, including the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards. Each of these teams will be represented by pairings of creators and NBA players. 

Creators like Zach 2K, BEARDABEAST, and Kofie Yeboah, along with NBA basketball players like Gradey Dick, Alex Sarr and Duncan Robinson, will be a part of the first season games. NBA 2KL will include a small group of fans as well, who have progressed through the 2K gameplay rankings.

The season will begin with a competitive reality series called "MyPLAYER Mayhem." Its episodes will air on the league's official YouTube account starting November 5, today followed by the "Next Fan Up" open ladder on November 16.

As per NBAT2 CEO Andrew Perlmutter, the “original content” of the game would showcase “NBA players and creators competing against each other in unexpected settings.” These “settings” are “online and in-person tournaments, as well as a first-of-its-kind open-ladder competition that places fans directly in the action.”

Perlmutter explained the game format in more detail, in his Variety interview. He said that the league will hold a six-month open tournament for all NBA 2K users. Players can become members of their favorite NBA team, gain points via playing the game and social media challenges. They can also climb leaderboards, and even play their team at official events alongside NBA stars and celebrities.

“Jesser” Riedel Roped In, What Does NBA 2K League (2KL) Aim For?

Popular sports creator Jesse “Jesser” Riedel, who has over 35 million YouTube followers will be the "Honorary Commissioner." This position will team him up with a certain number of celebrity guests to help push the vision of the league and the game content, while connecting with its growing community.

In an interview with Variety, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said that "Jesser" is "highly credible in basketball." He further praised the creator and said that he "knows" the game and is "highly entertaining." 

Take-Two and NBA are both "commercial enterprises," says Zelnick, however, its "main objective" is to "captivate and engage consumers." Therefore, he believes that the reimagined concept of the game that blends competitive gaming with lifestyle, makes it much more interesting and compelling." Additionally, he emphasized that if everything aligns together in a well and good manner, the venture could generate a significant amount of revenue.