Wednesday's announcement by the NBA 2K League involved DUX Gaming in a partnership to help launch its first expansion into Latin America.
The NBA 2K League follows the footsteps of the NBA G League, which welcomed a Mexican team to its ranks in 2021. The team's home will be announced by DUX Gaming, a Madrid-based sports organization. As the second franchise in the league outside of the United States, the team will be joining the Gen.G Tigers from Shanghai.
The Mexican team, which was just announced, will start play in the spring 2022 when the next NBA 2K League season begins. Rafael "RafaelTGR", a former NBA 2K League Draft prospect, was appointed general manager of DUX Gaming’s expansion team.
Brendan Donohue, president of NBA 2K League, said that this is an historic moment as we welcome another international organization to our family. "DUX Gaming's track record of growing its fan base through innovative and new ways makes it an ideal partner for the NBA 2K League in Latin America. 2K and basketball are extremely popular there. We are thrilled that DUX Gaming will represent Mexico at the NBA 2K League in years to come.
Founded in 2018, DUX Gaming quickly grew into a multi-pronged enterprise that has expanded beyond just video games. It was the first eSports group to purchase a semi-pro soccer team, purchasing DUX Internacional de Madrid in 2020. This third-tier Spanish club is now its home. DUX Gaming also owns DUX Logroo (a women's soccer team). DUX Gaming is owned by Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's star player, and Borja Iglesias, Real Betis' striker.
Mario Fernndez, chief executive officer of DUX Gaming, stated that "As an organisation established in Europe it is a true honour to now become the only NBA 2K League team within Latin America." We are excited to join Brendan and the whole NBA 2K League team in building our fan base in Mexico and expanding their audience to Latin America. With the hope that everyone, particularly Spanish speakers, will be a part of the infinite club, we can't wait."
DjMaRiO, a creator of sports content, is expected to work with DUX Gaming through localized content and grassroots events aimed towards Latin American and Mexican communities. DjMaRiO has over 10 million followers and subscribers across social media platforms. This allows him to have a large audience. The Mexican expansion team of DUX Gaming will participate in the Nov. 17 NBA 2K League expansion draft. It will be able take up to three players to increase the six-player roster each team is allocated.
In May 2018, the inaugural season of the NBA 2K League began with 17 teams each, all affiliated with a NBA team. The league was 23-members strong before DUX Gaming arrived. Twenty-two of these teams are NBA affiliates. Wizards District Gaming, who swept Jazz Gaming in three earlier this month, are currently the back-to-back champions.
