The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to test the world of virtual sports as it announces its partnership with NBA 2K video game developer Take-Two Interactive Software for an official eSports league.

ESPN reported that the venture will pave the way for the NBA 2k eLeague, which both companies target to launch in 2018.

The eLeague will be patterned after most American sports league wherein there will be head-to-head competition and with a regular season, playoffs and a championship matchup. Although it is not yet clear which teams will participate, NBA said that it will be run by real NBA organizations.

“The popularity of NBA 2K with the young and growing eSports community provides a unique opportunity to develop something truly special for our fans and the gaming community,”NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We look forward to combining our best-in-class NBA team operators with Take-Two’s competitive gaming expertise to create a brand new league experience.”