FIBA has announced a multi-year deal with 2K, the publisher behind NBA 2K and the NBA 2K League ©FIBA

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has announced a multi-year deal with 2K, the publisher behind NBA 2K and the NBA 2K League, as it looks to expand its esports community.

The deal will help organise esports events for National Federations.

Talent identification, providing opportunities for eFIBA participants to take part in NBA 2K League events or the NBA 2K League Draft and establishing a national team competition system are areas that the concerned parties want to focus on.

Qualifiers, Regional Finals and eFIBA World Finals are part of the eFIBA calendar ever year.

A partnership with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) will help eFIBA reach more gamers and make it accessible.

The deal will help organise esports events for National Federations ©NBA2K23
The deal will help organise esports events for National Federations ©NBA2K23

"By reaching out to 'Gen Z', a demographic that is highly engaged with esports, FIBA has a unique opportunity to leverage the growing popularity of esports and create a new generation of fans," a FIBA statement read.

"FIBA's close working relationship with the NBA 2K League and 2K is significant in the context of the world governing body's vision to bring together National Federations and esport players worldwide.

"NBA 2K, is the top-rated and top-selling NBA video game simulation series of the past 21 years and provides an innovative platform for showcasing skills and passion for the online game."

FIBA hopes the new agreements will increase the popularity of esports, which the body considers as a strategic priority.