The WNBA is getting a massive amount of exposure soon. According to various reports, NBA 2K20 will include WNBA players for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Last week, 2K made the announcement on Twitter and shared early gameplay featuring some of the league’s biggest stars. The tweet also featured interviews with Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker and Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart. Parker and Stewart wore motion capture gear as they did various motions for the game.
Parker spoke about her history with NBA 2K and the process of being integrated into the game.
“Just like my counterparts in the NBA, I grew up playing NBA 2K,” said Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks forward. “After getting myself scanned and integrated into NBA 2K20 earlier this summer, I was amazed at how 2K is able to replicate women’s basketball at such a realistic level. You can tell they are taking the time to capture the essence of the WNBA and have created an immersive experience that all fans of basketball will love.”
Giving the WNBA exposure in NBA 2K will help grow each player’s individual brand as well as the league itself. The attention the league would be getting caught the eye of Cathy Englebert, the WNBA’s commissioner. She also spoke on the addition of the WNBA to NBA 2K20.
“We are excited to have WNBA players as part of this top- selling video game, helping to bring more exposure to these elite players, expanding our fan base and providing an immersive gaming experience featuring women role model athletes.”
While this is the WNBA’s first time in an NBA 2K game, NBA Live featured the WNBA in a previous game. They featured the WNBA in NBA Live 18. NBA Live kept the tradition going by adding them in last year’s game and adding the women to more and more feature with each release. Being integrated into the top video games for basketball will be instrumental in growth for the league.
NBA 2K20 will be released on September 6. The game will feature all 12 WNBA teams as well as the 30 teams of the NBA. With NBA 2K’s popularity, the league gains exposure and potentially new fans. It is a win-win for both sides.