MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) — Two of the most popular forms of entertainment –the NBA and competitive gaming– have come together, and the Memphis Grizzlies are taking part.
We’re talking about the official NBA 2K League, an e-sports competitive video game league which is made up of the world’s best 2K basketball players.
In its second season now, Grizz Gaming not only has a roster of 6 players from all over the country, they have a general manager, a palatial studio in the FedExForum, and their own housing within walking distance of the arena.
In addition to the team’s travel expenses being covered, the players earn a base salary between $32,000 and $37,000 per season with a 401k, health insurance, housing, and a per diem to boot.
Websites like YouTube and Twitch live stream all of the games giving fans complete access to loads of gaming content.
Grizz Gaming General Manager and Coach Lang Whitaker says the younger generation of fans in Memphis are knowledgeable about the league and have even stopped his players on the street to talk 2K.
“Just in general, e-sports is giant. It’s going to be a $2 billion industry by 2020. There is clearly an age disconnect though. People who are older and don’t really play games don’t understand the appeal of watching people play video games,” says Whitaker.
Regardless, Grizz Gaming is catching on in the Mid-South and 2K fans from around the globe are glued to their streams ready to catch all of the action.
To keep up with Grizz Gaming, click here.