NBA joins the world of Esports

After we’ve seen other sports divisions like FIFA and NFL join the world of competitive play with EA’s FIFA and Madden NFL, it’s time for basketball fans to join the competition with the launch of the official tournament this year.

Few days ago, events of NBA 2K16: Road to the Finals kicked off through the efforts of 2K and licensing of the NBA, and that’s on PS4 and Xbox One. The tournament asks for players to form Pro-Am teams to compete online through 16 events until May 8.

16 winners will be chosen by May 21 from both consoles to compete in a single-elimination tournament that leads to the final match that takes place at NBA finals, where the ultimate winner will win $250.000.

“The popularity of competitive gaming continues to grow around the world, and NBA 2K16’s Road to the Finals is a great way to bring passionate gamers together,” says Matt Holt, the NBA’s vice president of licensing.

Jason Argent, senior vice president of basketball operations at 2K believes that their game has better chance in spreading the meaning of Esports than the more fantasy-oriented games like League of Legends, as it’s easier for mainstream audience to relate to.

“Our game has been competitive amongst NBA players, basketball fans, and our community for well over a decade, so this is just bringing that competition element to the forefront,” Argent says. “We feel that eSports as a part of NBA 2K is a natural fit given the game’s format and the desire from our community for competitive play.”

You can read more on Road to the Finals as well as the rules to participate through here.