NBA is Partnering With 2K and NBPA to Bring Basketball Back to Fans

NBA is joining forces with 2K, the NBA, and the NBPA. Sources have confirmed the opening of the “NBA 2K Players Tournament.”

It’s an NBA 2K20 gameplay tournament involving 16 current NBA players. The tournament will begin Friday, April 3 on ESPN and ESPN2. Basketball fans will get to see Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. Top seed players will compete in the tournament on Xbox One. The best player will become NBA 2K20 champion. He will also pick a charity beneficiary to receive a $100,000 donation from 2K, the NBA and the NBPA. The donation will support the nation’s effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA and NBPA to bring basketball back to fans throughout the world and to help those in need during these uncertain times,” said Jason Argent, 2K Senior Vice President, Sports Strategy and Licensing. “Entertainment, especially sports, has the ability to bring communities together – including athletes, fans, and families – and we hope that everyone will enjoy the tournament.”

NBA, 2K and NBPA have big plans

Matt Holt, NBA SVP of Global Partnership was more than excited to announce the first ‘NBA 2K Players Tournament.’ This is a great effort to create a bond with NBA fans across the globe. The final goal of this partnership is to contribute to the community.

“This tournament offers a unique opportunity for our players to compete with one another while also supporting their philanthropic efforts and engaging with their fans,” adds Josh Goodstadt, EVP of Licensing for THINK450. “We are excited to work with 2K and the NBA to bring this experience to life for the entire NBA community.”

Players’ seeding will be determined first by NBA 2K rating, second by tenure. Superstars players will accept head-to-head online challenges. Each player will pick eight of the current NBA teams. Each team can only be used once.

Player Seeding

1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets (96)
2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (90)
3. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Blazers (87)
4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz (87)
5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (86)
6. Andre Drummond, Cleveland Cavaliers (85)
7. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls (85)
8. Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers (85)
9. Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers (85)
10. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (85)
11. DeMarcus Cousins (81)
12. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (81)
13. Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards (79)
14. Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers (78)
15. Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings (78)
16. Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat (78)