ATLANTA — A new 103,000 square foot basketball training facility planned for Atlantic Station could make Atlanta a new hub for developing young basketball talent.
A who’s-who of NBA players and executives past and present including the Hawks Trae Young, Atlanta rapper and resident Killer Mike, and others, are stakeholders in the Overtime Elite Basketball league which will open in September. The facility will help prepare potential professional athletes.
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Overtime Elite says they’re building the facility will house basketball courts, have areas for classes for education and offices on the back part of Atlantic Station. The building will also be large enough to host games.
They plan to hire over 100 people, not including the workers to build the structure, which will be basketball staff, educators, residential staff, food service and additional support.
The most noteworthy part for many about the new league is their plan to pay the teenage athletes who attend.
They plan to pay a six-figure salary with a minimum of $100,000 along with benefits. They also plan to market each athlete who attends and those athletes will get a share of any revenue generated by their name, image or likeness. The latter addresses an issue several states have recently legislated and approved for college athletes.
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OTE says they will provide educational opportunities for each player while developing the skills they believe are necessary for the teenagers to adjust to life when they turn pro.
Those involved in the project believe strongly in the purpose, while city leaders stress the business benefits.
“This exciting announcement underscores that Atlanta is still a great place to do business. 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,” said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “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.”
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Young, an investor in the project, believes it will only enhance Atlanta’s growth as a basketball hub.
“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.
“Overtime Elite is a project that will bring long-time benefits to the city of Atlanta, not only economically, but it will teach our young people about empowerment and competing from a position of strength,” said Killer Mike.