NBA And 2K Developers Agree To $1.1 Billion Licensing Deal

BYAlexander Cole3.4K Views
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NBA 2K
The 2K NBA games are here to stay.

Video game fans rejoice! The NBA and the developers of NBA 2K, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., have reached a seven-year deal worth $1.1 billion which will allow the video game studio to continue making NBA games. This deal is a standard licensing agreement that companies like EA Sports sign to make games like Madden, FIFA or NHL.

In a report by the Wall Street Journal, it is said that NBA 2K19 was the best selling sports-based video game of 2018. As of November, it was also the third-best selling video game of the year, regardless of genre. It's predecessor, NBA 2K18, has sold 10 million copies which makes it the highest selling game in the entire series.

NBA And 2K Developers Agree To $1.1 Billion Licensing Deal
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The Wall Street Journal also noted that this new deal is worth double the previous licensing agreement forged in 2011. Since that deal, the NBA 2K games have been consistently amongst the most popular sports games on the market. The immersive nature of these games, mixed with the realistic player animations and environments, have contributed to the game's success.

It is believed that the NBA is receiving over 15% of the game's profits which is above what the average licensing agreement would pay the licensor. 

Part of the report states that EA Sports will still be allowed to release its NBA Live series, although the game is much less popular than NBA 2K.


About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
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