We
reported back in February that the NBA was looking to launch an official eSports league and today, their partnership with 2K Sports and Take-Two Interactive was made official. There are seventeen NBA teams that will participate during the 2017-2018 NBA season, including the :
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Detroit Pistons
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Minnesota Timberwolves
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Golden State Warriors
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Boston Celtics
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Dallas Mavericks
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Indiana Pacers
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Miami Heat
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Milwaukee Bucks
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New York Knicks
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Orlando Magic
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Portland Trailblazers
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Sacramento Kings
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Toronto Raptors
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Utah Jazz
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Washington Wizards
NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously stated that the plan was for all 30 NBA teams to eventually participate. Each NBA franchise will select 5 gamers in their market to represent them. Details on how these 5 gamers will be chosen are currently being kept under wraps.
"This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world’s best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said Brendan Donohue, the managing director of the esports league.