For the NBA it was a risk that was worth taking. Donohue declares, "It's in 2K's DNA to NBA2king be innovative." He further states that NBA owners "realize the future - this is going to continue to grow. So I believe there is more risk in not doing it rather than doing it.

Some fear that esports could be a fringe idea, engaging hardcore gamers but perhaps having limited commercial value beyond that, have proven unfounded. Forbes announced last year that esports ' revenues around the world were forecast to surpass $1.1bn in the year 2019.

"Even in the past three years, our three seasons, my conversations differ significantly from how they were before the league was created because it's simply more the norm, and it's not such a strange thing;" Donohue emphasizes. Kirk Lacob, Warriors Assistant Director of Operations, recently told me that esports was "absolutely growing into a mature sport".

Donohue describes the benefits of a league that is run by the NBA office when it comes to inviting partners. "The advantage of being the NBA 2K brand is that we have fantastic relationships with lots of these partners, and as such, we can provide them with a helping hand to navigate eSports and assist them in understanding how to tap into eSports as a great way for them to grow their brands."

Another benefit for businesses that using the NBA 2K League has, is that the game is a game that's well-known. Donohue highlights that esports can occasionally be challenging for people to understand. "Esports can be a casual game, where you don't require a participation in order to Buy 2K MT PS4 play. If you're familiar with basketball and basketball, you'll be able to understand," Donohue says.