Competitive gaming is now a trend, today known as esports. These games simulate combats between competitors in realistic or surrealistic scenarios. Many are tactical or war games, while others can be simulations of sports such as football, basketball, F1 racing, horse racing, and more. Among these, basketball-based games like NBA2K have become particularly popular among professional players themselves.
Video games are no longer a niche: athletes play games too. The strength of the trend has meant that esports is no longer a common niche and, as the lines between traditional sports and gaming blur, platforms like Esports.net, among others, have emerged to cover this growing crossover.
This new industry is capable of bringing millions of viewers to an international bout where the winners can win prizes of up to $40 million. But that’s not all — they can earn much more with sponsorships, salaries, and advertising. One more reason for the champions of traditional sports disciplines to be attracted as fans or as entrepreneurs.
Why Are Basketball Players Attracted to Games?
The attraction of esports has its origin in strong psychological aspects, highly appreciated by basketball players. These include stress relief, opportunities to simulate off-court competition, stronger social connection, and even increased tactical skills. Although they are also attracted to other more practical aspects such as investment and brand promotion.
Stress relief and mental restoration
A gaming session has a noticeable effect on the mental state of professional basketball players, helping to reduce their stress levels while restoring and strengthening focus. Video games allow them to experience competition without the intense physical demands of the game or the high stakes of an NBA match. Many find that gaming offers a relaxing yet engaging outlet after long practice days or high-pressure performances.
Off-court competition
Closely related to stress relief is the ability to compete in a low-risk, virtual setting. Off the court, basketball players still crave the thrill of challenge. Gaming stimulates the release of adrenaline and other feel-good chemicals, offering satisfaction and fun through competition that isn’t tied to wins or losses in their athletic careers. This also creates an opportunity to engage with fans and friends in a relaxed but spirited environment.
Social connection through Twitch and Discord
Human connection is essential, and basketball players often spend much of the year traveling, training, or in isolation from their usual social circles. Platforms such as Twitch and Discord provide valuable tools to connect with others, whether fellow athletes or fans. These sessions offer a broader and more humanizing social spectrum, allowing players to interact as individuals beyond their celebrity status.
Tactical benefits
Some games, such as NBA2K, allow players to recreate and simulate in-game situations. Through gaming, basketball players can mentally explore different strategies, lineups, and plays. This aspect enhances their decision-making and deepens their understanding of the sport in a format that blends entertainment with preparation.
Basketball Athletes Who Play Video Games
Many basketball athletes are not only fans of video games but also active players and contributors to the culture of gaming and streaming. Their engagement spans from casual play to competitive streaming and promotional appearances.
- LeBron James is passionate about playing Madden NFL and has even been seen playing on the jumbotron at SoFi Stadium. He has publicly expressed interest in streaming his gameplay.
- Kevin Durant has a lifelong passion for video games, starting with a Sega Genesis gifted by his mother. He plays Call of Duty extensively and has built friendships within the gaming community.
- Stephen Curry is a notable figure in gaming. Aside from appearing in PGA Tour 2K23, he created his own Fortnite game mode, “Steph Curry: Run The Ring”, and frequently engages with gaming content through interviews and streaming events.
- Shaquille O’Neal has a long relationship with gaming. From starring in Shaq Fu in the 1990s to participating in modern games like Among Us, his presence spans generations. He’s also a recurring character in the NBA2K series.
- Devin Booker is widely considered one of the NBA’s top gamers. He streams Call of Duty and APEX under the handle “dbook” and was even featured in the Modern Warfare III trailer. He’s partnered with ASTRO Gaming and supports youth gaming programs.
- Ben Simmons previously streamed on Twitch under the name “SimmoTheSavage25”, focusing on Call of Duty. He’s participated in gaming events and played alongside pro streamers and fellow athletes.
- Josh Hart is an active streamer with a strong Twitch following, playing games like Fortnite and Call of Duty. He also discusses gaming on his podcast, LightHarted, and has invested in FaZe Clan.
- Meyers Leonard has built a strong online presence with regular streams and investment in FaZe Clan, highlighting his dual role as both gamer and stakeholder.
- Karl-Anthony Towns serves as the icon athlete for NBA Infinite, a mobile game. He has also engaged with gaming through themed content and personal gaming outfits.
- Jamal Murray has invested in esports organizations, aligning with the industry’s cultural momentum.
Athletes Investing in Esports and Video Game Industry
Esports are not only entertainment for many athletes. Its high popularity among athletes and younger audiences has built a large industry in which not only qualities and skills are measured, but it is also an excellent asset to invest in.
Professional athletes create a business mentality for themselves; they try to secure a future after leaving the professional league. This forward-looking sentiment has led them not only to become entrepreneurs and co-owners of teams, but also to invest in the gaming and streaming industry.
- Stephen Curry was part of a group that invested over $37 million in TSM, one of the world’s largest esports organizations. He has also ventured into content creation and even game development.
- Josh Hart is a part-owner of FaZe Clan, a leading esports and gaming lifestyle brand. He is also partnered with Turtle Beach as an official audio sponsor.
- Meyers Leonard joined Hart in investing in FaZe Clan, adding to his active participation as a gamer.
- Ben Simmons took part in a Series B funding round for FaZe Clan, reinforcing his interest in the business side of gaming.
- Jamal Murray has shown similar business interest through his involvement in the gaming ecosystem.
These strategic investments show that for many players, esports is more than a pastime — it’s a legitimate and promising frontier for growth, branding, and engagement.
And Not Just Basketball…
Although basketball players are some of the most prominent figures in the crossover between traditional sports and gaming, they are not alone. Athletes across various sports have embraced the digital arena as a natural extension of their competitive and creative identities.
From footballers like Neymar Jr. and Diogo Jota to NFL quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, many sports stars are not only playing games but also investing in and promoting the esports industry. Even Olympic athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik, who plays Rocket League, have found a new way to stay competitive, connected, and engaged through gaming.
The connection between sports and gaming reflects a larger cultural shift. Esports and streaming have become a stage where athletes can unwind, build new communities, and continue to fuel their drive to win — only this time, with a controller in hand.
Main photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
