Why the NBA 2KLeague Needs Better Global Representation
As the 6th season of the NBA2KLeague is set to start on March 8th with 2.5$ million in prize pools, excitement is mixed with disappointment. Despite the rising popularity of NBA 2K in Europe, Asia, and the newest NBA2KL addition NBL Oz Gaming from Australia, the league has yet to fully embrace players outside of North America. Whether due to communication barriers with league scouts and decision-makers, a lack of noteworthy tournament experience, or a lack of diversity — the NBA2KL needs better global representation!
Over the past five seasons, only a handful of players outside of North America have been recognized. Unfortunately, in the upcoming 2023 season, the trend of a primarily North American player base looks set to continue.
The two non-North American players in the league right now are Mario Ortega Ariza, better known as Avemario from Spain, and Australian player Harryvzn Spiering, better known as HarryVZN. While both of these players are undoubtedly talented and deserving of their positions, their limited presence highlights a significant issue in the 2K league — a lack of diversity.
Out of the 120 starting five players listed on https://2kleague.nba.com/ for Season Six of the NBA2KL 2023, only two is outside of North America.
The lack of representation for players outside of North America has been an ongoing issue since the beginning of NBA2KL. Despite the game’s increasing popularity worldwide and various invitational tournaments, many talented players are still being overlooked for various reasons. Even with the announcement of an extension with Dux Infinitus and the newest addition of NBL Oz Gaming, the lack of recognition for non-North American players has come as a shock to many in the 2K community. Many of them have shared their opinion, stating that including players from different parts of the world would not only provide better representation but also attract a wider audience and maintain high viewership numbers for NBA2KL itself!
International E-Sports (IES) has announced its return following record breaking participation in previous years across Division 1, 2, and 3, with over 50,000 ProAm games played during previous IES 2K ProAm seasons. IES aims to remove communication barriers between players, organizations, scouts, and NBA2KL decision-makers by establishing clear guidelines for showcasing the best players from each European country and highlighting noteworthy tournament experiences.
“Seek change” will be the theme of the upcoming IES competition, which is set to return at the start of March. All users of European NBA 2K23 PS5 servers will have the chance to take part and compete against the toughest teams from their own region! More at IES Discord Server!
