A new basketball league has chosen Atlanta as its home. The new sports league OTE (Overtime Elite) will begin play in the fall, according to a news release.
Not a professional league and not exactly semi-pro, OTE sees itself as a “comprehensive accelerator” for elite players’ professional careers, preparing them for the next level.
Overtime Elite League To Play In Midtown Atlanta
Atlanta was chosen after league officials visited eight cities across the nation.
“If we could construct a city that would be the perfect home for Overtime Elite, it would look just like Atlanta,” Overtime Elite Commissioner and President Aaron Ryan said in a written statement. “The city’s storied basketball history, diverse population, vibrant business community and rich culture make Atlanta a special place. OTE is looking forward to being an active contributor to the community.”
League play will take place in Midtown Atlanta. A 103,000-square-foot facility in Atlantic Station is being planned, according to the release. OTE players will train, study and compete on the site.
The construction of the facility is poised to create up to 400 construction jobs in metro Atlanta, at least 30% of which will be diverse and people of color.
Who Is Overtime Elite?
Overtime Elite is a Kentucky-based company that made a name for itself by producing game videos of 4- and 5-star high school recruits.
The basketball league is a natural progression for the company, who aims to address issues like compensation of amateur athletes.
As for OTE, every player will earn a six-figure salary, with a guaranteed minimum salary of more than $100,000 per year, plus bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime, the company says.