Jayson Tatum, a standout player for the Boston Celtics, has reached the peak of his NBA journey. After recently clinching the 2024 NBA Championship, Tatum signed a record-breaking five-year contract extension worth $315 million, the largest in league history. Although this immense accomplishment was made, fans’ response was far from celebratory.
Extension of contract sets a new record
The Celtics’ new contract extension with Tatum broke records in the NBA with a massive $315 million deal over five years. Tatum conveyed his thanks by mentioning, “I teared up and shed a few tears,” however, fans were less enthusiastic. Many believe such a high amount is too much for any player, including Tatum.
Olympic Dreams and a New Cover Athlete
Tatum earned a place on the U.S. Basketball Olympic Team after his contract extension was finalized. His journey continued to progress as he was chosen as the face of NBA 2K25. Nevertheless, the honor received a variety of responses.
Tatum expressed his joy, stating, “I feel privileged to have been selected as the cover star for NBA 2K25.” I have been playing NBA 2K since I was young and my ultimate goal has always been to grace the cover one day. Even though I’ve won an NBA championship, I am honored to see this dream come true. Although he spoke warmly, his enthusiasm is not reflected in the fanbase.
NBA Champion and a 2K cover has a nice ring to it 🏆@jaytatum0 is our #NBA2K25 Standard Edition Cover Athlete! ☘️
Pre-order today ➡️ https://t.co/gLm2YAsIjO#BallOverEverything pic.twitter.com/xM5YrMi1r4
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 10, 2024
Fan anger: Fantasy becomes a bad experience
The news of Tatum being chosen as the cover athlete for NBA 2K25 was intended to honor his accomplishments. However, it has sparked significant criticism from supporters branding it as a “terrible ploy for profit.” Social media was filled with negative feedback as fans shared their disappointment and frustration.
“Just a money-making scheme as always,” one fan tweeted, echoing many others who believe the game’s marketing strategy is exploiting Tatum’s stardom for financial gain rather than celebrating his success.
The first look at #NBA2K25 gameplay! 🎮
Pre-order now for Early Tip-Off and play @NBA2K on September 4th! 🏀https://t.co/ADcYw3Tld4 pic.twitter.com/lTy67ZynLx
— NBA (@NBA) August 1, 2024
Frustration with the game
Much of the anger comes from fans’ perception that the game lacks innovation and gameplay. Many argue that the NBA 2K series has stagnated, with only minimal improvements being made each year. This frustration was exacerbated by Tatum’s involvement, which fans see as a superficial attempt to boost sales.
“Shit’s looked the same for a century,” tweeted another disgruntled fan, echoing the public sentiment that the game’s developers are prioritizing profits over a quality gaming experience.
Broader issues with sports advertising
The controversy surrounding Tatum’s appearance on the cover of NBA 2K25 is not an isolated incident. This points to widespread fan dissatisfaction with sports advertising in video games. Many believe that these ads do not improve the quality of the game, but mainly serve as a marketing tool.
“Will I be able to play the actual game on PC, or will it be a buggy port full of cheaters?” one fan expressed concern about the quality of the game.
Childhood dream marred by controversy
For Tatum, appearing on the cover of NBA 2K25 was a childhood dream come true. But the negative reaction from fans turned what should have been a fun milestone into a point of contention. The growing backlash highlights a huge disconnect between the promotional efforts surrounding the game and audience expectations.
As NBA 2K25’s release date nears, the controversy continues to rage. Fans who once eagerly anticipated the game are now disillusioned. The criticism highlights the challenges faced by athletes like Tatum, whose success can be overshadowed by commercial interests despite their best efforts.