Landon Buford
NBA 2k20 was officially released on Friday, September 6 at midnight EST, and the frenzy begins. Last month it was announced that WNBA players would also be a part of this year’s game. All twelve teams are featured in the game and can be accessible in the Play Now mode.
When it announced on August 8th, that WNBA players would be included this season, Former WNBA champion and Finals MVP Candace Parker is a fan of the game and plays frequently. So to see herself in the videogame she plays regularly is a dream come true.
“Just like my counterparts in the NBA, I grew up playing NBA 2K,” said Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks forward. “After getting myself scanned and integrated into NBA 2K20 earlier this summer, I was amazed at how 2K is able to replicate women’s basketball at such a realistic level. You can tell they are taking the time to capture the essence of the WNBA and have created an immersive experience that all fans of basketball will love.”
Fans have been pleading to play as their favorite WNBA teams, and this year 2K Sports granted their wish. EA Sports a couple of years ago implemented the WNBA into its game NBA Live, but there was only a small amount of teams available.
“For years, fans have requested the ability to play as some of their favorite WNBA stars,” said Jeff Thomas, SVP of Development, Visual Concepts. “We’ve been working with the WNBA and their top players to recreate a hyper-realistic version of their league with pinpoint accuracy. We’re excited to roll out this new feature in NBA 2K20because we know how important the WNBA is to the world of basketball.”
Former WNBA Star Cappie Pondexter would have been a part of this year’s game as well, but she decided to call it a career after announcing her retirement before the 2019- 20 season. That did not stop her from congratulating her peers for how far they come.
“Honestly, I didn’t hear anything about it until it was announced on social media. I think it is excellent. It is empowering for younger kids to play the game and even adults. We are finally able to showcase our hard work to be put in the game, and I think it is excellent that Ronnie has given us the opportunity for the young ladies to be part of the game,” said Pondexter.
Pondexter won two WNBA championships as a member of the Phoenix Mercury in 2007 and 2009 alongside Diana Taurasi before requesting a trade to New York. She would finish her career as a member of the Indiana Fever.
