DUNKMAN is coming back in 2027. Shaquille O’Neal’s professional dunk league is expanding fast following a successful first season.
What We Know: Notably, DUNKMAN launched as the world’s first professional dunk league, co-created by O’Neal, Authentic Brands Group and TNT Sports. Twenty-four dunkers competed across four Group Stage events on TNT Sports before Cam Hazzard won the $500,000 grand prize. The debut season drew 5.7 million viewers and topped 1.5 billion social views. Season 2 returns in 2027, adding regional qualifiers, team competitions and a junior division for athletes 15-and-under. In 2027, the league plans to stage a series of regional qualifier events, domestically and internationally before launching in summer.
What They Said: Shaquille O’Neal, DUNKMAN’s founder and commissioner: “The debut of DUNKMAN proved what I already knew: these athletes are superstars, and dunking is a professional sport. Next year we’re going bigger. More cities, more countries, team battles and a junior division for the next generation. We’re building the future of the sport.”
Craig Barry, Chief Content Officer, TNT Sports: “In the first Championship, DUNKMAN experienced unprecedented engagement and undeniably positive sentiment – it’s a true 21st century sports property. Year two, with a longer runway and more opportunities, there’s much more to come.”
Colin Smeeton, President of Authentic Studios: “Season 1 of DUNKMAN established dunking as a professional sport. Season 2 and beyond will continue to build a global league and platform through team competitions, a junior division and a global qualifier series that puts DUNKMAN in new markets year-round. We are in the early stages of what this property will become.”
What Remains Unclear: DUNKMAN has not announced dates or locations for the 2027 qualifiers. Additionally, the league hasn’t set a schedule for the expanded season’s Group Stage or Championship. Furthermore, broadcast details for the junior division and team competitions remain unconfirmed. Meanwhile, organizers haven’t revealed which cities and countries will host the international slate.
What It Means: Ultimately, DUNKMAN’s expansion signals that dunking has found a lasting home as a mainstream sport. As a result, Authentic Brands Group can possibly extend the property into retail, hospitality and premium content. Meanwhile, TNT Sports gains a growing platform with global reach and youth appeal. In turn, the junior division could shape the next generation of professional dunkers for years to come.
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