Overview
- Shaquille O’Neal publicly launched DUNKMAN on Monday, August 10, staging a 24‑competitor inaugural season in Atlanta that used head‑to‑head dunk-offs and expert judging.
- The field includes international dunkers from countries such as England and China who rose on social media rather than through the NBA development path.
- The announced winner’s purse is $500,000 with O’Neal saying he may ask partners to raise the prize toward $1 million if the competition warrants it.
- Organizers reported broadcast and commercial ties for the project, with TNT named as a media partner and sponsors including Eli Lilly, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a Reebok connection through Authentic Brands Group.
- O’Neal framed the league as a response to what he called a decline in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and a way to pay and promote specialist dunkers, a move that could shift attention and money toward independent dunk entertainment outside the NBA.