NBA 2K eLeague will feature 17 NBA teams

The NBA’s foray into esports will start right alongside 17 of the league’s teams.

The NBA’s esports league which was announced in February will see 17 NBA teams participating when it launches in 2018.

This makes good on the prediction the esports league’s managing director Brendan Donohue made around a week ago that more than half the teams in the NBA would participate.

The 17 franchises that have committed to the inaugural season will now be tasked with signing gamers to their team, with each team composed of five players. ESPN reports that the NBA will hold a draft of esports players for teams to find their stars.

Here is a complete list of franchises who will be represented for the eLeague’s first season:

• Boston Celtics
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Detroit Pistons
• Golden State Warriors
• Indiana Pacers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Miami Heat
• Milwaukee Bucs
• New York Knicks
• Orlando Magic
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Sacramento Kings
• Toronto Raptors
• Utah Jazz
• Washington Wizards

If you’re disappointed that you don’t see your favorite team on the list, don’t lose hope. NBA commissioner Adam Silver expects all NBA franchises will eventually have an eLeague team.

The NBA 2K eLeague is set to operate similarly to the NBA, with a five-month regular season, post-season playoffs, and a championship. Players will be salaried, and during the season they will train and compete with NBA 2K as their full-time job.

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“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world’s best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said Donohue, according to ESPN.

More details about the eLeague will be sure to come as we near the start of its first season next year.