Wizards Gaming ushers in a new era of NBA 2K League competition with veteran gaming star and Wizards standout leading the charge
Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2025) — Wizards Gaming, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), is proud to announce its return for the 2025–26 NBA 2K League season as the league launches into an exciting new era.
Featuring a refreshed competition format, this season marks a new chapter for the NBA 2K League — and Wizards Gaming will be at the forefront with veteran star Michael “BearDaBeast” Key as the team’s official Gamer and Wizards forward and 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection Alex Sarr serving as the team’s NBA player representative.
“There’s a real buzz around the return of the NBA 2K League, and we couldn’t be more excited to have two incredible talents representing Wizards Gaming,” said Andrew McNeill, Vice President, Esports at MSE. “BearDaBeast is one of the most accomplished players in 2K League history — a fan favorite with unmatched skill and infectious energy — and pairing him with Alex Sarr, one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA, makes for an electric combination. This season marks a major moment for the NBA 2K League and for the continued growth of gaming and esports, and we’re proud to help lead that next chapter.”
BearDaBeast, one of the most accomplished players in league history, joins Wizards Gaming after several outstanding seasons with T-Wolves Gaming, where he led the team to a championship in 2019 — winning Finals MVP in the process—and earned recognition as one of the league’s most dynamic point guards and biggest personalities. He is the only player from the previous iteration of the NBA 2K League returning for the 2025–26 campaign, bringing both his trademark charisma and skills on the sticks as the league resumes in its new format.
“It feels amazing to be back for this new era of the NBA 2K League, especially with an organization like Wizards Gaming,” said BearDaBeast. “Joining Wizards Gaming is more than just a new chapter, it’s a chance to build something special for the District and the 2K community. With Alex Sarr and the Wizards family behind us, we’re coming in with big energy and we’re going to put on a show for the fans every time we hit the sticks.”
As part of the NBA 2K League’s new structure, each participating organization will also feature an NBA player representative. Wizards forward Alex Sarr will connect with fans and the gaming community throughout the season, including appearances on NBA 2K League broadcasts and social content, an AMA in the NBA 2K League Discord, and an exclusive meet-and-greet for participants in the new “Next Fan Up” in-game competition. Wizards fans will also have the chance to team up with BearDaBeast and Sarr during the 2025–26 season by earning their spot through the “Next Fan Up” competition.
The 2025–26 NBA 2K League season will feature four competitive Phases followed by the Playoffs and Finals. Wizards Gaming will compete in each of the Phases, playing alongside teams from the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons in Phase 1. Wizards Gaming’s first live broadcast of the season will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, streaming live on the NBA 2K League’s official Twitch channel (twitch.tv/nba2kleague) and co-streamed on BearDaBeast’s channel (twitch.tv/beardabeast23).
As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to growing esports in the D.C. community, Wizards Gaming will host a live event during Phase 2 in partnership with McDonald’s DMV on December 21 at District E Powered by Ticketmaster, located adjacent to Capital One Arena. The event will be the NBA 2K League’s first in-person live event of the 2025-26 season and will take place ahead of the Wizards-Spurs game that evening in downtown D.C.
District E, MSE’s 14,000-square-foot live-event theater, serves as Wizards Gaming’s home base and offers a year-round lineup of esports, entertainment, and community programming.
For the latest news and updates about Wizards Gaming, follow the team on Twitter (@WizardsDG), Instagram (@WizardsDG), Facebook (WizardsDG), Twitch (@WizardsDG) and YouTube.
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About Wizards Gaming
Wizards Gaming, owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is part of the NBA 2K League, a professional esports league co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO). Launched in 2018, the NBA 2K League is the official esports league of the NBA, showcasing the world’s top NBA 2K players competing alongside and representing NBA teams. Entering a new era of competition and team integration, the league continues to bridge the worlds of basketball and gaming through innovative formats and community-driven experiences. Wizards Gaming competes as the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, representing the District in league play and special events throughout the season. For more information about Wizards Gaming, visit www.wizardsdg.com.
About District E Powered by Ticketmaster
District E Powered by Ticketmaster is Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s nearly 14,000 square-feet live-event theater offering a 365-day-a-year series of immersive experiences in esports, music, event programming, and community events – along with pre-and post-event activations for fans attending NHL’s Washington Capitals and NBA’s Washington Wizards games, also owned by Monumental. The venue creates a best-in-class competition and training venue for the esports franchises Monumental additionally owns, operates, and invests in, including Wizards Gaming, Caps Gaming, District Elite and Team Liquid. To learn more, visit www.districtedc.com.
