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Washington Mystics

MONUMENTAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES "WIZARDS DISTRICT GAMING"AS OFFICIAL NAME OF NBA 2K LEAG

December 17, 2017 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Washington Mystics News Release


Wizards DG Set to Begin Play in League's Inaugural Season in 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Monumental Sports & Entertainment unveiled Wizards District Gaming as the team name and mark for its NBA 2K League team, set to begin play in the league's inaugural season in 2018. In addition to the team name, primary and secondary logos were revealed and can be seen above and a video can be seen here.

"Esports draw incredible interest worldwide, from both a participation and audience perspective, and we are very proud to introduce Wizards District Gaming as the newest member of our growing Monumental family," Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Majority Owner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, said. "It's young. It's global. It's digital. And we are thrilled to be a part of it."

The identity for Wizards District Gaming draws inspiration from the Washington Wizards' brand. Fans and supporters will quickly recognize a commitment to the city through both the incorporation of "District" into the formal name, as well as the three stars that pay homage to the District of Columbia flag. The "Monumental" spaces reflect the inclusion into the larger MSE family, while paying tribute to the Washington Monument, a prominent feature of the DC skyline. The logo also encompasses key values that are important to the overall MSE brand, including a community-first approach, inclusivity and technological innovation. The logo provides fans with a new, yet familiar way to experience Monumental's newest franchise.

"We couldn't be more excited to unveil the branding for Wizards District Gaming," Grant Paranjape, Director of Esports Business and Team Operations, said. "Our logo is the perfect extension of the values that are reflective of the MSE family of teams: inclusivity, diversity, and a desire to be the best. We are confident that fans of our franchises, as well as the DMV area as a whole, will appreciate our approach in representing our home in an authentic and meaningful way."

The NBA 2K League, a joint venture between the NBA and Take-Two Interactive, is a professional esports league featuring the best 2K players in the world. The 2K League's inaugural season, which will feature 17 teams, will take place in 2018, beginning with a league qualifier in January to determine players for tryouts in February, followed by a draft in March, and tip-off in May. Managing Director Brendan Donohue oversees all league operations.

"The reveal of our team names and logos is an exciting milestone as we move toward the NBA 2K League's inaugural season in 2018, and we can't wait for the NBA 2K community and our teams' fans to see them," Donohue said.

The NBA 2K League Qualifier will take place from Jan. 1-31, 2018. All prospective players who win 50 games in NBA 2K18's Pro-Am mode and complete an online application by January 31 can receive an invitation to the next round of tryouts in February. The 2K League Qualifier is available to anyone in the world who has a copy of NBA 2K18 (Xbox One or PS4) and is 18 or older. Each team will draft five players who will play the game using unique characters.

This is Monumental's second venture into the esports realm as the company is also a co-owner of aXiomatic, which has a controlling interest in Team Liquid, a multiteam professional esports organization that was founded in 2000.

"Monumental Sports & Entertainment was quick to raise its hand when this new league was being developed by the NBA and Take Two Interactive," Zachary Leonsis, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and General Manager, Monumental Sports Network, said. "It's a perfect match as we continue to prioritize reaching the next generation of fans. Alongside our investment in Team Liquid, Wizards District Gaming will enhance our presence in the rapidly-growing world of esports."

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