Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Shaquille O’Neal Launches DUNKMAN, a Professional Dunking League for Summer 2026

The project reflects broadcasters’ push to own short-form sports built for TV plus social video.

Overview

  • O’Neal announced the league Monday on TNT Sports’ national championship pregame in Indianapolis, naming himself founder and commissioner.
  • Partners include Authentic Brands Group, TNT Sports/Warner and Eli Lilly, with live events set for TNT, TBS, truTV and HBO Max plus streams on Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and YouTube.
  • The inaugural season features 24 dunkers in four group-stage events that feed a world championship with a $500,000 prize.
  • Organizers promise an Olympic-level scoring system with expert judges, with O’Neal helping set matchups and define how hangtime and vertical leap are scored.
  • Details on host cities, participants and full rules will follow in the coming weeks, building on last year’s six-episode DUNKMAN series and tapping the heavy social interest in viral dunks.