Game on!
For the first time in its history, the NBA has created its own professional gaming league, featuring the best basketball gamers from around the globe. Playing NBA 2K, these gamers will represent 17 NBA franchises.
The Knicks have their own gaming team and have six of the top NBA 2K players from around the country on their squad.
Who is on the Knicks Gaming roster?
SQUAD. pic.twitter.com/0VHhiunqcc
— KnicksGaming (@KnicksGaming) May 2, 2018
How are games played?
Each NBA 2K League team will feature players competing as unique characters in 5-v-5 gameplay. The games are played on PC and players are allowed to use either an Xbox controller, PlayStation controller or keyboard.
What is a unique character?
Players will use archetypes with preset skills instead of their own MyPlayer or NBA players to keep the ratings similar to everyone. No artificial intelligence will be used; playing ability is strictly determined by skill.
How did players qualify for the 2K League?
First, players had to win 50 games in NBA 2K18’s Pro-Am mode and complete an online application. Then the league held a combine, which whittled down the field from 72,000 to 250. Following the combine, all the finalists were interviewed and a selection committee determined the 102 players eligible to be drafted.
How did the draft work?
The draft took place on April 4 at Madison Square Garden. Each team selected six players from the eligible player pool.
Will there be Free Agents/Trades?
Not in the inaugural season, TBD for next season.
How long will the quarters be in the league?
There will be four 6-minute quarters, mirroring the Pro-Am experience.
Oh HELLO home court 👀
Can’t wait to dominate on this thing… #KnicksGaming #WeReady pic.twitter.com/2BVkCY8Tfw
— KnicksGaming (@KnicksGaming) April 30, 2018
How many teams are there in the league?
Seventeen, all operated by NBA franchises:
76ers GC, Blazer5 Gaming, Bucks Gaming, Cavs Legion GC, Celtics Crossover Gaming, Grizz Gaming, Heat Check Gaming, Jazz Gaming, Kings Guard Gaming, Magic Gaming, Mavs Gaming, Pacers Gaming, Pistons GT, Raptors Uprising GC, Warriors Gaming Squad, Wizards District Gaming and Knicks Gaming.
What are the weekly matchups and tournaments like?
Regular season takes place over 15 weeks, beginning in May and ending in August, with 12 for weekly matchups and the other three for tourneys. All teams play a minimum of 19 games, including 14 regular season games. Tourney games do not count towards regular season records but are used for postseason tiebreakers. Weekly matchups take place on Fridays and Saturdays.
[View Full Knicks Gaming Schedule]
How do the playoffs work?
Eight teams make the playoffs: the seven teams with the best records and the winner of the final tournament. The quarterfinals will be single-elimination and the semifinals and finals will be best-of-three series.
Where are the games played?
League play will take place in one or two central studios.
How can I watch?
All games will be streamed live on Twitch and past games will be available to watch on demand.
What is the Tréfecta?
The winner of each tournament will receive a steel championship banner. If a team wins all three, they will achieve the Tréfecta, with all three banners forming “The Banner Chain.”
Introducing THE BANNER CHAIN. Each of the season’s three tournaments are a chance to take home some hardware. Win all three, and the team achieves the “Tréfecta”
Read More: https://t.co/EeJU41FO6v pic.twitter.com/LPMGQl6uWv
— NBA2KLeague (@NBA2KLeague) April 27, 2018
How can I follow the team’s progress?
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Knicks Gaming team starting on Tuesday, May 8, as MSG Networks presents “Knicks Gaming” at 10 PM on MSG & MSG GO!
Social Media
Twitter: @KnicksGaming | Instagram: @KnicksGaming | Facebook: KnicksGaming