NBA Take-Two Media (NBAT2) has officially re-launched the NBA 2K League (2KL) with a fresh focus on blending competition, culture, and community.
Content creator Jesser joins as Honorary Commissioner, alongside big names like Suni Lee and Demetrius Johnson.
The league will feature NBA players, top creators, and fans competing together through online and in-person events.
A new open-ladder competition, "Next Fan Up," lets anyone jump in and play for their favorite NBA team.
The new NBA 2K League isn't just a reboot, it's a whole new vibe. If you've ever wanted to see NBA players, content creators, and fans battle it out in the same digital arena, this is the season to tune in.
NBA Take-Two Media (NBAT2) just dropped a major announcement, officially relaunching the NBA 2K League (2KL) as an immersive mix of gaming, entertainment, and community. It's not just about who's best at 2K anymore. This season, it's about the culture, the personalities, and the chaos that comes when pros, YouTubers, and everyday players collide.
And leading the charge? Jesser. Standing strong with 35 million YouTube subscribers and followers behind him, Jesser has a reputation for turning basketball content into must-watch gold. He's stepping in as the league's Honorary Commissioner, bringing his creative energy and love for the game to every matchup and storyline.
But it doesn't stop there. The first season kicks off with something called "MyPLAYER Mayhem". This is a competitive reality-style series that's equal parts gaming, drama, and fun. It premieres November 5 on YouTube, with live tournaments running on Twitch (Nov. 8–9 and Nov. 15–16). Expect plenty of friendly trash talk, big personalities, and some genuinely wild matchups.
And if you've ever dreamed of competing in the league yourself, the "Next Fan Up" feature is where it gets real. Starting November 16, anyone can sign up, pick an NBA team to represent, and climb the ranks through gameplay and social media challenges. It's the most inclusive version of NBA 2K competition we've ever seen, and, honestly, it feels like the natural next step for a community that's been growing online for years.
The launch lineup features six NBA teams: the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards. Each squad pairs NBA players with creators (like Zach 2K, BEARDABEAST, Kofie Yeboah, Gradey Dick, Alex Sarr, and Duncan Robinson), plus a few standout fans who've proven themselves on the sticks. Together, they'll take on challenges both in-game and in real life, blurring the line between competition and content.
"With the new 2KL, we're building an entirely new type of entertainment universe that blends
competition with content," says NBAT2 CEO Andrew Perlmutter. ""Filled with wild, wacky,
unpredictable, and emotionally resonant moments, we're extending the immensely popular world of NBA2K beyond competitive gaming and will show fans who their favorite athletes and creators are off the court."
So whether you're a die-hard NBA 2K grinder or just someone who loves basketball culture, the new NBA 2K League is setting the stage for something big. I'll definitely be watching when "MyPLAYER Mayhem" drops-and maybe even signing up for "Next Fan Up." Because if there's ever been a time to get in the game, it's now.
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