Gen.G already has their hands in a number of lucrative pots when it comes to esports teams, including Apex Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch League and League of Legends just to name a few, but the team is never comfy sitting on their laurels. They’ve just announced that they’re going after a new venture. It would appear that Gen.G will be putting up an NBA 2K League in the 2020 season.
Gen.G announced their entrance into the NBA 2K League via the Gen.G Twitter and NBA 2K League YouTube. The team is set to represent Shanghai, although they will also train at the Gen.G LA facility during the 2020 season. For Gen.G CEO Chris Park, it was a welcome opportunity.
“We are honored to help lead the NBA 2K League’s expansion into Asia and proud to represent Shanghai on behalf of the hundreds of millions of Chinese fans who love basketball and video games,” said Park in a press release. “Gen.G’s unique core mission -- to connect esports fans and athletes across the U.S. and Asia -- is meant for ambitious ventures like this. We have big plans to help grow the NBA 2K League in communities around the world that are passionate about basketball and video games.”
Indeed, with their establishment in the NBA 2K League, Gen.G becomes the first organization in the League to bring representation outside of North America and not be run by an NBA team. It’s a milestone that didn’t go unnoticed by NBA 2K League Managing Director Brendan Donohue, who was happy to welcome Gen.G.
“This is a historic moment in the NBA 2K League’s journey to becoming a truly global league with fans, franchises and players from all over the world,” said Donohue. “Gen.G is the ideal organization to launch our first team from outside of North America, and we look forward to working with Gen.G to reach new fans in Shanghai and identify elite talent across Asia.”
NBA 2K League has brought out the best and brightest in some of the esports community. Cavs Legion player Tim “oLARRY” Anselimo earned esports’ first ESPY award for his amazing return to play after a severe injury and the league itself put up an impressive level of competition across the board. With Gen.G entering the court from Shanghai, they're in good company, and it opens the door for other organizations worldwide to do the same.
