The NBA 2K League has announced a partnership with Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
As a result, the NBL will launch NBL Oz Gaming and become the 25th team competing in the league.
The team will make its debut at the start of the 2023 season and will play its matches from the United States. The team’s exact location is yet to be revealed.
NBL Oz Gaming becomes the third team from outside North America to enter the NBA 2K League. It joins the Gen.G Tigers franchise that represents Shanghai as well as Mexican franchise DUX Infinitos, which is operated by Spanish esports organisation DUX Gaming.
In addition to fielding a roster in the league, the NBL and NBA 2K League will collaborate on a range of activations to expand the league’s presence in Australia. Initiatives include player scouting and hosting grassroots events in the country.
In 2022, the league continues to consolidate its position as one of the largest sports simulation competitions. Over the last ten months, it has renewed partnerships with Esports Entertainment Group and Indian streaming platform Loco.
Brendan Donohue, President of the NBA 2K League, spoke on the collaboration: “This is another historic day as we welcome Australia’s premier basketball league to the NBA 2K League family.
“The NBL has a demonstrated track record of not only transforming their league, but also growing a fanbase in new and creative ways. The NBL is the ideal partner to help the NBA 2K League do the same in Australia, where basketball and 2K are incredibly popular and we’re thrilled that NBL Oz Gaming will represent Australia in the NBA 2K League for years to come.”
