However, for businesses there is the risk of 2k22 mt jumping into an industry that is still in its infancy like esports and esports-related activities. Former Golden State Warrior and prominent tech businessman Andre Iguodala once called "the Wild Wild West". The risk was worthwhile for the NBA. Donohue states, "It's in 2K's DNA to be innovating." Donohue also states that NBA owners "realize the future and this is going to continue to grow." So I believe there could have been more risk in not taking it and then actually doing it."
Fears that esports may have been a fringe concept, appealing to hardcore gamers, but not having the commercial potential that, have proven unfounded. Forbes reported last year, that worldwide esports revenue was estimated to exceed $1.1bn in the year 2019.
"Even over the last three years, and our three seasons, my conversations now are far different than what they were prior to when the league started because it's an increase in the norm, and it's not a surprise;" Donohue emphasizes. Kirk Lacob, Warriors Assistant Director of Operations, recently told me that esports was "absolutely growing into a mature sport".
Donohue talks about the advantages that a league can have run out of the NBA office in bringing partners into. "The benefit of being the NBA 2K brand is that we have great relationships with a lot of these partners and so we can kind of provide them with a helping hand to navigate eSports and assist them in understanding how to leverage eSports as a means to boost their brand."
Another benefit companies that with the NBA 2K League has, is that the sport is one that is easily understood. Donohue states that esports can often be confusing for consumers. "You do not have to play in order to enjoy the games. If you're a basketball fanatic then you'll understand it," Donohue says.
It's also quite common to spot advertisements during the game. Donohue states that it's normal to view the basketball game on courtside signage. This allows participants to "be a part" of the experience.
The NBA 2K League is a very popular and profitable sport due to its loyal community of fans. However, Donohue states that "we are only scratching the surface." He highlights the 1.9 billion fans of cheap mt nba 2k22 the NBA on social media as a vast potential pool.