Amanda Knapp
Overtime Elite (OTE) is a basketball league for 16 to 20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner and launched in 2021. OTE is unique in that it offers players two options: to take a scholarship and maintain college eligibility, or to accept a salary of at least $100,000 per year to play professionally. The league has eight teams and focuses on fan engagement, with all regular season and postseason games open to the public. OTE players benefit from year-round training and development, as well as academic instruction and English language development sessions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group | 16–20-year-olds |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Founding year | 2021 |
| Founding fathers | Dan Porter and Zack Weiner |
| Minimum salary | $100,000 annually |
| Scholarship option | Yes |
| College eligibility | Yes |
| Health and disability insurance | Yes |
| College scholarship money | $100,000 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 4:1 |
| Curriculum | Traditional high school subjects, financial literacy, social media and other media training, mental health and wellness |
| Training facilities | 103,000 square-foot facility with three NBA regulation-sized courts, a 7,000-square-foot fitness center, a hydrotherapy room, classroom spaces, a dining hall, and locker rooms |
| Number of teams | 8 |
| Notable players | Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Alex Sarr, Rob Dillingham, Tyler Smith, Dominick Barlow, Jaylen Martin, Jazian Gortman, Karter Knox, Kanon Catchings, Ian Jackson, Somto Cyril |
| Brand partners | Gatorade, State Farm, Meta, Topps, GMC, Adidas |
| Streaming partners | Amazon Prime Video, YouTube |
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What You'll Learn
OTE players can choose between a salary or a scholarship
Overtime Elite (OTE) is a basketball league for 16- to 20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is owned and operated by Overtime and was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner. OTE players can choose between a salary or a scholarship.
OTE players who choose the salary option receive a minimum of $100,000 per year, a signing bonus, and shares in Overtime's larger business. This salary path is designed for players who want to pursue a professional basketball career and forgo college. OTE provides these players with access to high-level coaching and skill development in a sports academy setting, helping them develop the skills and tools needed for a sustained professional career.
On the other hand, OTE players who choose the scholarship option can maintain their college eligibility. This path is suitable for players who want to pursue a college education while also developing their basketball skills. OTE provides a comprehensive academic program with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and a curriculum that covers traditional high school subjects as well as life skills-related subjects such as financial literacy, social media and media training, and mental health and wellness.
The decision between a salary or a scholarship depends on the player's individual goals and preferences. Some players may prioritize a direct path to professional basketball and choose the salary option, while others may value the opportunity to pursue a college education while also developing their athletic abilities.
Notable OTE players who have chosen the salary option include Amen and Ausar Thompson, who became top-5 picks in the 2023 NBA draft. On the other hand, Naasir Cunningham, a top-ranked 2024 recruit, became the first OTE player to choose a scholarship instead of a salary, preserving his college basketball eligibility after high school.
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OTE's training facilities and resources
Overtime Elite (OTE) is a basketball league for 16-20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is owned and operated by Overtime and was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner.
OTE has a world-class training facility in Atlanta. The 103,000 square-foot facility in the Atlantic Station section of Atlanta is where players train, study, and compete. The building has three NBA regulation-sized courts that can seat up to 1,300 spectators. The facility also includes a 7,000-square-foot fitness centre, a hydrotherapy room, classroom spaces, a dining hall, and locker rooms.
The OTE Academy experience consists of six key components. Athletes engage in 3.5–4 hours of academic instruction per day. The curriculum includes traditional high school subjects and life skills-related subjects such as financial literacy, social media and other media training, and mental health and wellness. English language development sessions are also available for international students.
The Pro Habits Curriculum is an important part of OTE's training program. It is designed to prepare athletes for a career in professional basketball and help them develop the tools and skills needed for sustained professional careers. As part of this curriculum, athletes receive training in content areas such as the business of basketball. Pro Habits classes are integrated into the weekly academic schedule and are facilitated by learning facilitators, OTE staff, and industry-leading professionals and athletes.
OTE also offers a Dual Enrollment Program in partnership with Lens of Sport and Subject.com. This program allows athletes to earn college credit during their time at OTE. Upon completion of the coursework, athletes will have completed two years of college and will be on the path towards their bachelor's degree.
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OTE's academic curriculum and learning facilitators
Overtime Elite (OTE) is a basketball league for 16-20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is owned and operated by Overtime and was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner. OTE's academic curriculum and learning facilitators play a crucial role in the development of young athletes, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed for success both on and off the court.
The academic curriculum at OTE is designed to provide a personalized and self-directed approach to education. Athletes are given the agency and opportunity to master grade-level content at their own pace, with the support of content-specific and professional learning facilitators. The curriculum consists of 6 key components, including 3.5-4 hours per day of academic instruction.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive online learning experience through a partnership with Subject.com. The online curriculum covers NCAA-approved courses and provides resources that complement the in-class learning. Athletes are programmed into coursework based on their Personalized Learning Plans, ensuring they are on track to graduate with a fully accredited high school diploma. English language development sessions are also provided for international students working towards English proficiency.
Learning facilitators play a vital role in the OTE academic experience. They support athletes in their coursework and help them set weekly learning goals. One learning facilitator travels with the team to ensure academic study hall time, and each athlete is assigned a "mentor" to check in with them regularly and plan their academic progress.
The Pro Habits Curriculum is another integral part of the OTE academic program. It prepares athletes for a career in professional basketball, covering areas such as the business of basketball. These classes are facilitated by OTE staff, industry professionals, and athletes, providing valuable insights and skills for a sustainable career in the sport.
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OTE's partnerships and sponsors
Overtime Elite (OTE) has a range of partnerships and sponsors, which have been crucial to its success and the exposure of its players. The league has been particularly attractive to sponsors due to its large digital footprint and ability to engage fans.
In 2021, OTE signed an exclusive partnership with Topps to create basketball trading cards of its athletes. The company also announced brand partnerships with Gatorade and State Farm, with the latter becoming the exclusive on-campus home, auto, and life insurance sponsor. In the same year, OTE also partnered with Meta to develop virtual reality content for the league.
OTE also has a multi-year partnership with Adidas, which became the league's exclusive apparel, footwear, and on-court gear sponsor. This deal was significant for both parties, as it provided Adidas with early exposure to next-generation stars, and OTE players with opportunities to build relationships with the brand, including mentorship opportunities. Adidas is also a sponsor for OTE's 7v7 league, OT7.
OTE has been successful in attracting major sponsors, which has contributed to the league's ability to provide compensation and exposure for its players. These partnerships have also helped OTE establish itself as a legitimate basketball league and media conglomerate, with a significant presence in the sports world.
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OTE's media presence and fan engagement
Overtime Elite (OTE) is a basketball league for 16–20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is owned and operated by Overtime and was founded by Dan Porter and Zack Weiner. OTE prioritises fan engagement and has a strong focus on its media presence.
Overtime originated as a social media account geared towards Gen Z and gained popularity in 2016 by making short-form Instagram content about future NBA stars. This early success spurred the idea to create a league of their own, and OTE was launched in 2021. The league has since gained rapid success and popularity, producing top college and NBA talents.
The league has partnered with various brands, such as Gatorade, State Farm, Meta, GMC, and Adidas. These partnerships have helped to enhance OTE's media presence and fan engagement. For example, the partnership with Meta aims to develop virtual reality content for the league, while the Amazon Prime Video agreement will stream 20 live OTE games per season for three seasons, along with the launch of a series on OTE in 2023.
Additionally, OTE's facility in Atlanta, which houses three NBA regulation-sized courts, can seat up to 1,300 spectators. The building also includes classroom spaces, a dining hall, and locker rooms, catering to both athletes and visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
OTE stands for Overtime Elite, a basketball league for 16 to 20-year-olds based in Atlanta, Georgia. The league is composed of eight teams with players from the US and around the world.
OTE is unique in that it offers players two options: they can either take a scholarship route to continue their academic careers and maintain college eligibility, or they can accept a salary of at least $100,000 per year to play professionally. OTE also prioritises fan engagement and interaction through social media.
The OTE Academy provides a personalised, self-directed approach to education, empowering athletes to master grade-level content at their own pace with the support of professional learning facilitators. Athletes engage in 3.5 to 4 hours of daily academic instruction, including English language development sessions for international students.
The Overtime Elite scouting and recruiting team searches globally for the most talented players. In addition, OTE hosted the OTE Dream Tryout, where 20 players were invited to try out for a team spot.
OTE has produced several notable talents, including Amen and Ausar Thompson, who were picked fourth and fifth overall in the NBA Draft. OTE players have signed contracts with NBA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. In 2024, eight OTE alumni entered the NBA roster for various teams.
