OFFICIAL EPL RULEBOOK
2024-2025 SEASON [NBA 2K25]
This document lays out EPL’s rules which all tournaments operating under the “European Pro-Am 2K League” banner must abide by. These rules will apply to each of the Teams who have qualified to play. These rules also apply to the Teams’ Team Managers & Team Members and other employees
but apply only to official League play and not to other competitions, tournaments, or organized play of NBA2K25 . Standardized rules benefit all parties who are involved in the professional play of NBA2K25, including the Team Managers, Team Members, and Teams. EPL has established these rules for the competitive play of NBA2K25 to unify and standardize the rules used in competitive play.
The terms of engagement between Team Managers, Team Members, and Teams are left to each of the Teams and its Team Managers/Members.
Any dispute over the interpretation or application of these rules should be raised to the attention of the
EPL Operations team.
We advise all Team captains/members to read and understand the rulebook as participation in the competition entails that the captains/members accept and will adhere to the code.
Rulebook version 0.2.2 – 01.09.2024
To be eligible to compete in the EPL, each Player must satisfy all of the following:
1.1. Player Age
1.1.1. There is no age restriction.
1.2. Player & Team Eligibility
1.2.1. All Players may only compete in one Division of EPL at a time.
1.3. Eligibility & Release form
1.3.1. Team Members will be sent a player eligibility and release form by League Officials. This form will inform the Team members of what information, including personal information, that the League will collect and process for use on broadcast, social media, and player movements.
2.1. Ownership Restrictions
2.1.1. To preserve the integrity of official League play, the Team Managers, or affiliates thereof, shall not have an interest in more than one EPL Team participating in a European Pro-Am League Division 1/2, as defined below:
An “Interest” in or with an EPL Team means any of the following:
- a direct or indirect financial interest in, or financial relationship with, such EPL Team, whether by legal or beneficial ownership, control, contractual relationship, loan agreement, or otherwise (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any buyback provision, right of first purchase, voting rights agreement, lien, deferred, reversion or security interest); or
- status as an officer, director, employee, stockholder, owner, affiliate, representative, agent, consultant, or advisor of such EPL Team, or any other role whereby a person participates, directly or indirectly, in the financing, operation, marketing, or management of such EPL Team or its assets.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be considered a violation of Rule 2.1.1 for a Team Manager to have ownership in a common entity or venture that is not an EPL Team, with another Team Manager (a “Common Undertaking”) that would otherwise constitute an Interest subject to this rule; provided, however, that such interests comprise
- a solely passive ownership interest in less than ten percent of the capital stock of such Common Undertaking
- such Team Managers do not undertake any operating role (including as an officer, director, employee, representative, agent, consultant,or advisor, etc.) with, and otherwise have no ability to control or exercise influence over such Common Undertaking
- such Team Manager has provided written notice to the League of such ownership in a Common Undertaking five business days in advance of such investment.
2.1.2. An Organization or Team may only own one EPL Team across all European Pro-Am Leagues. The scope of EPL is defined as the 1st, 2nd & 3rd divisions. Despite all these, If an organization that participates in the first division has an academy team, the academy team will be eligible to participate in the 2nd division only.
2.1.3. Organizations or Teams are only allowed to participate in one EPL per Season. Any changes can only take effect between Seasons and must follow the procedures and timeline outlined by the EPL Officials. An Organization or Team must receive approval from future EPL Officials for the change to occur.
2.2. Recognition of Ownership
2.2.1. The League shall have the right to make final and binding determinations regarding Team ownership, issues relating to the multiple Team restriction, and other relationships that may otherwise have an adverse impact on the competitive integrity of the EPL. Any person that petitions for ownership into the EPL can be denied admission at the sole discretion of the League. Team Owners agree that they will not contest any final determination of the League in connection therewith.
2.2.2. If an Owner is found to have any financial interest or benefit or any level of influence in another Team, the Owner will be required to immediately divest said interest in one of the two Teams and may be subject to punishment by the
League.
2.2.3. Ownership of a Team competing in an EPL should be indicated by the starting lineup or Organization to EPL officials.
3.1. Roster Requirements (1st and 2nd Division)
3.1.1. Each EPL Team is required to maintain at least five Players across their Roster during the entirety of each EPL Regular Season.
3.1.2. Additionally to the five Players, each team is required to maintain a Substitute Player and a Coach for the entirety of the season.
3.1.3. A-Team will be required to have a Roster of six to eight Players as their
Playoffs-Roster.
3.1.4. A Team’s EPL Roster can have a maximum of ten Players.
3.1.5. A Team Member will not be allowed to compete for more than one Organization simultaneously and cannot be listed on the Roster of more than one Team. As an exception to this rule, EPL teams that have Academy Teams in their 2nd division may allow 1st division teams to designate players from their 2nd Division roster to play in the 1st division. If a Player played 50% of matches in the EPL 1st division in a season (Regular Season), he is not allowed to play in the 2nd division for that season. This rule applies only to 2nd division players. 1st division players are not allowed to be used in the 2nd division.
3.1.6. Teams may request to modify their EPL Roster. The request must be submitted to a League Official at least 48 hours before the start of the first game of their EPL division in any given Competition Week and its approval is at the sole discretion of the League.
3.1.7. A Team Member cannot have a contractual or financial arrangement with another Team unless explicitly allowed by the League in writing. Team Coaches may only seek to work with Teams outside of the 1st and 2nd Division if written permission is given by the League.
3.1.8. A Team Member is only allowed to compete for the one Organization they have a contract with. A Team Member cannot have a contractual or financial arrangement with another Team unless explicitly allowed by the League in writing. To clarify, loans are not allowed.
3.2. Roster Modification
3.2.1. At a time designated by League Officials before the start of each Season, each Team must submit their EPL Rosters. If a Team Manager intends to modify a Roster, the Team Manager must submit requests in compliance with these rules. The request must be submitted in advance of the proposed effective date of any such change, at the earliest possible date and time.
3.2.2. The Team Member designated by the Team will be responsible for Roster management and document submissions. The Team Member is authorized to make changes to the Roster using one of the following methods: (1) Signing Free Agents that didn’t play a game in the 1st division for another team at the given season ; (2) Releasing Players from the Roster.
3.2.3. Any roster modification can happen before the transfer deadline each season which is before the start of the last competitive week of the Regular Season.
3.3. Substitutions
3.3.1. Player substitutions have to result in Teams having eligible Rosters. To clarify, a suspended player cannot be a substitute.
3.3.2. A team may substitute a player within a match (i.e. between games of a best-of-three or best-of-five) or between games in the best-of-one rounds given any of the teams participating is playing back-to-back games. The team must notify a League Official and have the substitution approved immediately following the previous game, no later than 5 minutes after the end of the game. For example, if a team wishes to substitute a player for game 2, then the point of contact must notify a League Official no later than 5 minutes following Game 1.
3.3.3. In the event of an emergency, a Team may be given extra time to find an immediate Substitute from their Roster for a Game. If a replacement cannot be found, the Team will forfeit. League Officials will determine if an event qualifies as an emergency.
3.4. Coaches
3.4.1. Teams are not required to register any Coaches, but are allowed to register a Head Coach with the League. In addition, Teams may register up to three other Coaches.
3.4.2. The Coach can either be a registered Coach or a substitute for the Team.
3.4.3. In the event of an emergency, the Team can designate an interim coach. Whether or not an event qualifies as an emergency is determined at the sole discretion of the League Officials. The interim coach can be a Team Manager.
3.5. Free Agents & Free Agency
3.5.1. The League has established limited periods of time during which new Team Members or Free Agents can be signed. Signings of any kind outside of these specified dates are strictly prohibited outside of the exceptions below. The start of The Free Agency period for this Season will commence on the 1st of September 2025(00:00:00 UTC). The deadline for the Free Agency period for the given Season will commence on the 22nd of October 2025(00:00:00 UTC).
3.5.2. If a Team intends to drop a Team Member from the Roster during the Season, the Team has to submit the Drop Form for that Team Member at least 48 hours before the Free Agent Signing Deadline of that Season. Contract expirations after the Free Agent Signing Deadline are allowed.
3.6. PSN Names
3.6.1. PSN Names may include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, digits, and underscores only. No additional special characters will be allowed for team names, PSN Names, or tags. PSN Names and team names may not contain vulgarities or obscenities or derivatives of products or services that may create confusion.
3.6.2. Teams will be permitted a team tag of 2-4 characters to be added to the front of each Player’s PSN Name on the Tournament. These team tags must be a combination of uppercase letters and/or digits.
3.6.3. All team tags, team names, and PSN Names must be approved by League Officials in advance of use in play. Name changes must be approved by League Officials before use in-game. Any cosmetic change to team tags, team names, etc. must be made 48 hours in advance of the first Game of the Season of the respective EPL. League Officials reserve the right to deny a team name if it does not reflect the professional standards sought by the League and the Team will be required to change its name.
4.1. European Pro-Am 2K League
4.1.1. European Pro-Am 2K Legends League (1st Division) Regular Season
4.1.1.1. 32 teams will participate in the league. In the Regular Season, Teams will be divided randomly into four groups of 8 each and then Teams will face every other Team in a BO2 series every Season.
4.1.1.2. The home advantage selection during the Regular Season will be
pre-selected by the League ensuring each Team will have a home advantage selection against every opposing Team once.
4.1.1.3. The Top 4 Teams from each group at the end of the Regular Season will qualify for Play-offs.
4.1.2. 1st Division Play-Offs
4.1.2.1. The Play-Offs will take place after the Regular Season. The Top 4 Teams from each group will play in a Seeded Single Elimination Bracket, with each match being a Best-of-3, except for the Finals which will be a Best-of-5.
4.1.2.2. In the Play-Offs the higher seed will have home advantage for the first
Game in a series.
4.1.2.3. Round One (Bo3):
○ Match 1 (Bo3): Seed A #1 vs. Seed B #4.
○ Match 2 (Bo3): Seed B #1 vs Seed A #4.
○ Match 3 (Bo3): Seed A #2 vs Seed B #3.
○ Match 4 (Bo3): Seed B #2 vs Seed A #3.
○ Match 5 (Bo3): Seed C #1 vs Seed D #4.
○ Match 6 (Bo3): Seed D #1 vs Seed C #4.
○ Match 7 (Bo3): Seed C #2 vs Seed D #3.
○ Match 8 (Bo3): Seed D #2 vs Seed C #3.
4.1.2.4. Round Two (Bo3):
○ Match 9 (Bo3): Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 4.
○ Match 10 (Bo3): Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3.
○ Match 11 (Bo3): Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 8.
○ Match 12 (Bo3): Winner Match 6 vs. Winner Match 7.
4.1.2.5. Semi-Final (Bo3):
○ Match 13 (Bo3): Winner Match 9 vs. Winner Match 11.
○ Match 14 (Bo3): Winner Match 10 vs. Winner Match 12.
4.1.2.6. Final (Bo5):
○ Match 15 (Bo5): Winner Match 13 vs. Winner Match 14.
4.1.2.7. See Exhibit A below for a graphical presentation of the Playoffs Format.
4.1.3. European Pro-Am 2K Stars League (2nd Division) Regular Season
4.1.3.1. 24 teams will participate in the league. In the Regular Season, Teams will be divided randomly into two groups of 12 each and then Teams will face every other Team in a Best-of-1 double round-robin format every Season.
4.1.3.2. The home advantage selection during the Regular Season will be pre-selected by the League ensuring each Team will have a home advantage selection against every opposing Team once.
4.1.3.3. The Top 8 Teams from each group at the end of the Season will qualify for Play-offs.
4.1.4. 2nd Division Play-Offs
4.1.4.1. The Play-Offs will take place after the Regular Season. The Top 8 Teams from each group will play in a Seeded Single Elimination Bracket, with each match being a Best-of-3, except for the Finals which will be a Best-of-5.
4.1.4.2. In the Play-Offs the higher seed will have home advantage for the first
Game in a series.
4.1.4.3. Round One (Bo3):
○ Match 1 (Bo3): Seed A #1 vs. Seed A #8.
○ Match 2 (Bo3): Seed B #1 vs Seed B #8.
○ Match 3 (Bo3): Seed A #2 vs Seed A #7.
○ Match 4 (Bo3): Seed B #2 vs Seed B #7.
○ Match 5 (Bo3): Seed A #3 vs Seed A #6.
○ Match 6 (Bo3): Seed B #3 vs Seed B #6.
○ Match 7 (Bo3): Seed A #4 vs Seed A #5.
○ Match 8 (Bo3): Seed B #4 vs Seed B #5.
4.1.4.4. Round Two (Bo3):
○ Match 9 (Bo3): Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 7.
○ Match 10 (Bo3): Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 8.
○ Match 11 (Bo3): Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 5.
○ Match 12 (Bo3): Winner Match 4 vs. Winner Match 6.
4.1.4.5. Semi-Final (Bo3):
○ Match 13 (Bo3): Winner Match 9 vs. Winner Match 11.
○ Match 14 (Bo3): Winner Match 10 vs. Winner Match 12.
4.1.4.6. Final (Bo5):
○ Match 15 (Bo5): Winner Match 13 vs. Winner Match 14.
4.1.4.7. See Exhibit B below for a graphical presentation of the Playoffs Format.
4.2.Tiebreaker Rules
4.2.1. If two Teams are tied in the standings after the Regular Season, the tie will be broken by the head-to-head record of all Teams against all other Teams involved in the tiebreaker will be considered. Best record in head-to-head games between all tied teams. Higher cumulative score difference in head-to-head games between all tied teams. Higher cumulative score difference for the entire regular season. Higher total of points scored for the entire regular season. Higher sum of quotients of points in favor and points against of each match played in the regular season. If a tiebreaker does not resolve a tie completely, a new tiebreak process is initiated with only those teams that remain tied. All points scored in extra periods will not be counted in the standings, nor for any tie-break situation.
4.2.2. If three or more Teams are tied, the head-to-head record of all Teams against all other Teams involved in the tiebreaker will be considered. Best record in head-to-head games between all tied teams. Higher cumulative score difference in head-to-head games between all tied teams. Higher cumulative score difference for the entire regular season. Higher total of points scored for the entire regular season. Higher sum of quotients of points in favor and points against of each match played in the regular season. If a tiebreaker does not resolve a tie completely, a new tiebreak process is initiated with only those teams that remain tied. All points scored in extra periods will not be counted in the standings, nor for any tie-break situation.
4.2.3. 2-way-tie:See above 4.2.1.
4.2.12. All tiebreaker games will be played as single Best-of-1 Games.
4.2.13. Tiebreaker games will be scheduled at the sole discretion of the League.
4.2.14. For all tiebreaker games, the right for side selection will be determined by the lower Victory Time throughout the Regular Season of the applicable Season.
4.2.15. If the Victory Time is identical for multiple Teams, the hierarchy will be determined by a coin flip.
4.2.16. Tiebreaker games will not be played if their outcome will not have any competitive implications.
4.2.17. If exactly two Teams are tied for fourth place after the conclusion of the Regular Season no tiebreaker game will be played and the fourth place will be awarded to the Team with higher “Goal Average” between both, if not applicable in the season.
4.3. Results
4.3.1. All screenshots must be posted in the ‘GAMES RESULTS’ discord channel by the winning team.
5.1.1. Season 5 will start around the 15th October 2023
5.1.2. Every match is scheduled by the league. If a team cannot comply with the scheduling of the league they will have to forfeit the game. The scheduling of the game may be changed in case of an emergency. Whether or not an event qualifies as an emergency is determined at the sole discretion of the League Officials.
6.1. Prize-Pool
6.1.1. Div1
The total Prize Pool for the season of the European Pro-Am 2K
“Legends League” is 1500€ and it is at the discretion of the league to change this during the season. The Prize-pool will be contributed as shown:
- 1st Place – 1200€ (- Next Season Entry)
- 2nd Place – 300€
6.1.2. Div2
The total Prize Pool for the season of the European Pro-Am 2K
“Stars League” is 600€ and it is at the discretion of the league to change this during the season. The Prize-pool will be contributed as shown:
- 1st Place – 500€ (- Next Season Upgrade + Entry)
- 2nd Place – 100€
6.1.3. Div3
The total Prize Pool for the season of the European Pro-Am 2K
“ I’m Next League” is 600€ and it is at the discretion of the league to change this during the season. The Prize-pool will be contributed as shown:
- 1st Place – 200€ (- Next Season Upgrade + Entry)
- 2nd Place – 50€
6.2. Sponsors
6.2.1. The Team may only sell or manage sponsorships or brand elements for the Team which they are affiliated with.
7.1. Publishing
7.1.1. The League shall have the right to publish a declaration stating that a Team Manager, Team Member, and/or Team has been penalized. Any Team Manager, Team Member and/or Team that may be referenced in such declaration hereby waive any right of legal action against the EPL and/or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, agents, or contractors for publishing such a declaration.
7.2. Finality of decisions
7.2.1. All decisions regarding the interpretation of these rules, Player eligibility, scheduling of the EPL, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with the League, the decisions of which are final.
7.3. Right of modification
7.3.1 These rules may be amended, modified, or supplemented by the League, to ensure fair play and the integrity of official League play.
8.1. Clothing & Apparel
8.1.1. This set of rules regulates the usage of Team jerseys and shorts for match days and during official games. Teams are expected to adhere to and follow the regulations outlined in this section.
8.1.2. Teams must have their jersey/pants designs approved before use by the League.
8.1.2.1. Regular Season: Team jerseys and pants designs must be sent for approval before the EPL Season starts. Not later than 3 working days before the first official Match. ○ Designs cannot be changed until the Playoffs.
8.1.2.2. Playoffs: Team jerseys and shorts designs must be sent for approval before the EPL Playoffs start. Deadlines at League’s discretion.
8.2. Jersey Guidelines (to be confirmed)
8.2.1. All EPL jerseys shall comply with all of the following.:
○ Red – Sponsorship Space
○ Black – Team Logo & Branding
EPL Jersey visual sample
8.2.2. The chest area of the jersey needs to feature the team name/logo and can feature up to three sponsors. The equivalent area on the back of the jersey is reserved for team branding, sponsorships, and Name.
8.2.3. The EPL logo must be used on jerseys for games streamed by EPL Channel
8.3. Arena Guidelines
8.3.1. All team Arenas must have the EPL Legends logo on the Stadium Logo.
8.3.2. The use of mature content in the arena is prohibited.
8.3.3. In case the logo of EPL is not being used on the court team will be penalized with a fine of 10 points in the applied game.
8.5. Punctuality
8.5.1. During the regular season all Teams are required to be fully ready for their Matches in the respective Game Lobby at least 5 minutes before the official Game Time.
8.5.2. During the Play-Offs all Teams are required to be fully ready for their Matches in the respective Game Lobby at least 5 minutes before the official Game Time for Game 1 of each Match. For all following Games within one Match Teams are required to be fully ready at least 2 minutes before the official Game Time.
8.5.3. If a Team is not fully ready at the times as mentioned earlier, the following penalties apply:
- Not ready at Game Time – 1st Warning
- Not ready 5 minutes after Game Time – 2nd Warning
- Not ready 10 minutes after Game Time – 3rd & Final Warning
- Not ready 15 minutes after Game Time – Forfeit of the 1st Game and Penalty 5€
- Not ready 40 minutes after Game Time – Forfeit of the following Game
8.5.4. If a Team or any of their Players does not show up in time for any of their games more than 3 times, team will be Disqualified for the entire Season. In matches, as defined by the aforementioned rule, due to a force majeure, extenuating circumstances, Teams must inform League Officials immediately. League Officials may postpone, suspend or cancel the Game or Match at their sole discretion.
8.5.5. If a Match is postponed, it will be rescheduled to a date within the same or the following week, unless another agreement can be found among Teams and League Officials.
9.1. Team Streaming Rights
9.1.2. Every match day the League will stream from its channels 2 matches of their choice. Those games cannot be streamed from the teams at the same time.
9.1.3. League shall have the right to provide streaming rights for 1st Division and 2nd division Teams to broadcast the EPL competition, using the following regulations:
9.1.3.1. Teams shall be able to stream on a Team’s channel; Streaming channel to be approved by the League, and can be changed by the Team provided that they inform the League and the League approves it.
9.1.3.2. Teams can only stream matches that they are playing in.
9.1.3.3. Teams shall not monetize outside of the streaming platform (e.g., Pre-rolls, ads, etc.).
9.1.3.4. Teams shall not alter, blur or cover EPL sponsor logos/placements.
9.1.3.5. Teams can start streaming once the previous match is finished or 15 minutes before their match if it is the first match of the day; Teams can stream for 15 minutes postgame (defined as being 15 minutes from the game’s end).
9.1.3.6. League shall have the right to define any hosting/raiding rules.
9.1.3.7. League shall have the right to define reporting structures and intervals.
9.1.3.8. Teams shall have the right to invite guests. Co-streaming on-air talents need approval by the League.
9.1.3.9. League can allow Teams to show Teams Sponsors during the 15 minute pre- and a postgame portion if they so choose. These sponsors must be vetted (i.e. Permitted or Conditional Category). Teams cannot show their Team Sponsors during the match itself.
9.1.3.10. All portions of the broadcast from the Team, both live and archived must be readily available to non-paying viewers.
9.2. Permitted languages
Every language is permitted.
9.3. Highlights
After a team wins a game, it has to upload a clip on the channel #Clips on discord, for the league to use and promote the teams.
10.1. Competitive Integrity
10.1.1. Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any League Match, and to avoid any behavior that potentially threatens the actual or perceived integrity of competition or that is otherwise inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. Violating this rule will be subject to penalties at the discretion of League Officials. All decisions regarding violations are at the sole discretion of the League. The examples below are listed for illustrative purposes only:
10.1.2. Collusion, which is defined as cooperation or conspiracy to cheat or deceive others. The cooperation or conspiracy can occur among Team Members, Teams, and/or Organizations, and can be done to the sole benefit of the parties involved in the cooperation or conspiracy. The list of conspirators is not exhaustive. Collusion includes, but is not limited to, acts such as:
- Soft play, which is defined as any agreement among Team Members to not playat a reasonable standard of competition in a Game.
- Pre-arranging to split the prize money and/or any other form of compensation
- Sending or receiving signals, electronic or otherwise, from outside sourcesto/from a Team Member.
- Deliberately losing a Game for compensation, or any other reason, orattempting to induce another Team Member to do so.
- Conspiring to predetermine locations for Free Agents and/or conspiring to fix the salaries of contracts for Team Members and/or potential Team Members.
10.1.3. Hacking, which is defined as any modification of the NBA2K game.
10.1.4. Exploiting, which is defined as intentionally using any in-game bug to an advantage.
10.1.5. Ringing, which is defined as playing using another Player’s account or solicitation to do so.
10.1.6. The use of any kind of cheating device and/or cheat program or any similar cheating method.
10.1.7. Intentional disconnect without a proper and explicitly-stated reason.
10.1.8. Any other act which violates these rules and/or standards established by the League.
10.1.9. A Team Manager/Member may not use language that is obscene, foul, vulgar, insulting, threatening, abusive, libelous, slanderous, defamatory, or otherwise offensive or objectionable; or promote or incite hatred or discriminatory conduct, in or near the Match Area, at any time. A Team Manager/Member may not use any facilities, services, or equipment provided or made available by the League or its contractors to post, transmit, disseminate or otherwise make available any such prohibited communications. A Team Manager/Member may not use this type of language on social media or during any public-facing events.
10.1.10. A Team Manager/Member may not take any action or perform any gesture directed at an opposing Team Manager/Member, fan, or official, or incite any other individual (s) to do the same, which is insulting, mocking, disruptive or antagonistic.
10.1.11. Abuse of League Officials, opposing Team Managers/Members, or audience members will not be tolerated. Repeated etiquette violations, including but not limited to touching another Player’s computer, body, or property will result in penalties. Team Managers/Members and their guests (if any) must treat all individuals attending a Match with respect.
10.1.12. During the Match, communication by a Player on the Starting Line-up shall be limited to the other Players on their Starting Line-up and League Officials.
10.2. Responsibility Under Code
10.2.1. Unless expressly stated otherwise, offenses and infringements of these rules are punishable, whether or not they were committed intentionally or successfully. Attempts to commit such offenses or infringements are also punishable.
10.2.2. Harassment is forbidden. Harassment is defined as systematic, hostile, and repeated acts taking place over a considerable period of time, or a singular
egregious instance, which is/are intended to isolate or ostracize a person and/or
affect the dignity of the person.
10.2.3. Sexual harassment is forbidden. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances. The assessment is based on whether a reasonable person would regard the conduct as undesirable or offensive. There is zero tolerance for any sexual threats/coercion or the promise of advantages in exchange for sexual favors.
10.2.4. Team Managers/Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person, or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory, or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion, or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation, or any other reason.
10.2.5. Team Managers/Members may not give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any statement or action having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of the League.
10.2.6. A Team Manager/Member may not engage in any activity which is prohibited by common law, statute, or treaty and which leads to or may be reasonably deemed likely to lead to conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction.
10.2.7. A Team Manager/Member may not disclose any confidential information provided by the League, by any method of communication.
10.2.8. No Team Manager/Member may be involved with the offering, giving, acceptance, or receipt of a bribe, gift, or any type of consideration, financial or otherwise, that could result in the improper influencing or manipulation of any esports tournament or match globally or any portion or aspect of such competition. Performance-based compensation paid to a Team Manager/Member by a Team’s official sponsor or owner is permitted under this rule.
10.2.9. No Team Manager/Member may refuse or fail to apply the reasonable instructions or decisions of League Officials.
10.2.10. No Team Manager/Member may engage in any activity that could improperly influence or manipulate any esports tournament or esports match globally or any portion or aspect of such competition. Additionally, no Team Manager/Member or League Official may instruct, permit, cause, or enable other individuals to engage in such actions.
10.2.11. Documentation or other reasonable items may be required at various times throughout the League Season as requested by League Officials. If the documentation is not completed to the standards set by the League, then a Team may be subject to penalties. Penalties may be imposed if the items requested are not received and completed at the required time.
10.2.12. No Team Manager/Member may engage, nor attempt to engage, in any legal or illegal gambling activity relating in any way to any global esports tournament or event. This rule applies to all esports gambling activities including, without limitation, those available in any physical retail location or those conducted via the internet. Gambling activity is defined as placing anything of value – including real currency, virtual currency, or other digital assets – at risk in connection with a bet or wager. Additionally, no Team Manager/Member, League Official may instruct, permit, cause, or enable other individuals to engage, nor attempt to engage, in any legal or illegal gambling activity relating in any way to any global esports tournament or event.
10.2.13. No Team Manager/Member may request or disclose, directly or indirectly, any non-public information that could potentially provide an advantage in gambling activities to any person that does not have a legitimate need to know such non-public information. Individuals may violate this provision whether they know or reasonably should know that the non-public information in question could be used for the purposes of gambling activity. Examples of such information include, but are not limited to, team lineups, transactions, team strategy, schedule changes, and the results of pre-recorded matches that are broadcast or live streamed to audiences at a later date. Similarly, no Team Manager/Member, League Officials may request or support any such provision of knowledge or other information, whether for their own gain or the gain of others.
10.3. Penalties
10.3.1. Any person found to have engaged in or attempted to engage in any act that the League believes, in its sole and absolute discretion, constitutes unfair play, will be subject to penalty. The nature and extent of the penalties imposed due to such acts shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the League.
10.3.2. Upon discovery of any Team Manager/Member committing any violations of therules, the League may issue the following penalties:
- Verbal Warning
- Fine(s) and/or Prize Forfeiture(s)
- Game and/or Match Forfeiture(s)
- Suspension(s)
- Disqualification(s)
10.3.3. Repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties, up to disqualification from future participation in the League. It should be noted that penalties may not always be imposed successively. The League, in its sole discretion, can disqualify a Team Manager, Team Member, or Team for a first offense if the action of the Team Manager, Team Member, or Team is deemed egregious enough to be worthy of disqualification by the League. Penalties that state a listed amount of time for discipline will only apply to competitive months. Competitive months are defined as the months in which NBA2K25’s professional competition is taking place.
10.3.4. Infractions will be governed by the EPL Penalty Index, and/or the Global Penalty Index for major infractions.