The sports network Overtime has announced that it will launch a new basketball league and facility program called Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlantic Station.
The city of Atlanta was chosen by OTE after a year-long quest in which league officials visited and researched eight cities throughout the United States. OTE, which aims to provide the country's most promising young players a high-flying route to professional basketball, will be held in September.
The program offers a year-round hands-on learning experience. It includes world-class coaching, cutting-edge sports science and exercise equipment, first-rate services, and a robust, highly personalized preparation program. Their players come from a diverse pool and will participate in domestic and international leagues. The plan is to have up to 30 teams, all of whom will work, learn, train, and play in Atlanta.
“If we could construct a city that would be the perfect home for Overtime Elite, it would look just like Atlanta,” said Aaron Ryan, Overtime Elite commissioner and president. “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.”
The construction of a new 103,000-square-foot complex in the city's Atlantic Station district is currently underway. This project is expected to provide up to 400 construction jobs in Atlanta, with at least 30 percent of them going to communities of color.
"We are pleased that Overtime Elite has chosen Atlanta to be its permanent home, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of basketball stars to our city,” said Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Mayor of Atlanta. “Overtime Elite will bring several well-paying jobs to our city, generate millions of dollars in economic impact and expand mentorship and programming opportunities for our young people.”