Chiquita Evans was selected as the 56th pick overall by the Warriors Gaming Squad at the NBA 2K League draft Tuesday, March 5, 2019, in New York.
Chiquita Evans (@chiquitae126) becomes the first woman drafted into the #NBA2KLeague, pick No. 56 by @WarriorsGaming! pic.twitter.com/LiXnn7iHjH
— NBA2KLeague (@NBA2KLeague) March 6, 2019
Evans is the first woman selected in the esports league.
Warriors gaming is operated by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
A former college and semipro basketball player, Evans is now the esports league’s first female pro, one of the 126 players who will make between $33,000 to $37,000 per season, plus benefits and team housing.
The NBA runs the league in coordination with 2K game publisher Take-Two Interactive, and it did not have any women for its inaugural season. Prior to last year’s draft, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called the lack of gender diversity “a disappointment for all of us so far.”
“Esports has become a huge thing now,” said Kevin Durant, Evans’ favorite player. “More people who enjoy the game might get an opportunity to be professionals and make some money for themselves and make some money. I think it’s cool.”
"For the first time ever, I gave up something… People are saying I don't deserve to be here."
Go behind the scenes on Chiquita Evans' (@chiquitae126) journey to becoming the first woman ever selected in the #NBA2KLeague Draft. pic.twitter.com/hNL9mUMNLH
— NBA2KLeague (@NBA2KLeague) March 6, 2019
Female gamers have had difficulty breaking into pro esports.
Although it looks like the future will be a lot more female.
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