A new league created for standout high school boys' basketball players is building a state-of-the-art facility in Atlanta.
Also under construction: the high-level hoopsters set to join a league that offers another possible avenue to the NBA.
Overtime Elite announced Wednesday it is constructing a 103,000-square-foot complex where prep players will train, study and compete. The new league, known as OTE, markets itself to top-notch players from 16 to 18 years old with promises of an academic education and a six-figure salary. It's another potential route to the NBA besides college, the developmental G League or the professional ranks outside of the United States.
In early April, the league hired Kevin Ollie, who led the University of Connecticut men's basketball team to the 2014 NCAA championship, as the head coach and director of player development. Scheduled to tip off in September, the league will feature 30 players - yet to be named - all living and playing in the Georgia capital.
Overtime Elite was launched through the sports media company Overtime, which counts among its investors rapper/songwriter Drake and NBA players, including three whose teams are bound for the playoffs: Carmelo Anthony (Portland Trail Blazers), Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks).
"Overtime Elite is a welcome addition to Atlanta's rich sports tradition, elevating the city as a global center for basketball development and a cultural hub for people of all backgrounds," Young said in a release.
Added Anthony: "Many athletes aren't properly prepared for what it really means to go pro. We need to do a better job of empowering the next generation of players and setting them up for success."
Each player is guaranteed a minimum salary of at least $100,000 a year, along with signing bonuses and shares in the company. They will also generate revenue from use of their names, images and likenesses, in addition to sales of custom jerseys, trading cards, video games and nonfungible tokens.
One caveat: Their college eligibility would be forfeited.
The city of Atlanta was selected after a yearlong search. The facility will be located in the Atlantic Station neighborhood, which is near the Georgia Tech campus.
"The city's storied basketball history, diverse population, vibrant business community and rich culture make Atlanta a city where OTE wants to make a commitment as an active contributor to the community," Aaron Ryan, the commissioner and president of Overtime Elite, said in a release.
Added Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms: "We look forward to welcoming the next generation of basketball stars to our city."