Shaquille O’Neal and Warner Bros. Discovery Announce Launch of Dunkman Professional Dunk League in 2026

Warner Bros. Discovery, which will lose NBA broadcast rights on TNT after the current season, is involved in a new basketball-related venture. Shaquille O’Neal, through Authentic Brands Group, and Warner's TNT Sports announced the launch of Dunkman, a professional league focused on dunking competitions.

The inaugural season is scheduled for summer 2026. The league will include 24 skilled dunkers competing in four live events. Finalists will compete for a world championship title and a grand prize of $500,000.

Eli Lilly & Co. will serve as a partner. >"The NBA’s dunking contest over the last ten to fifteen years has been terrible," O’Neal said in an interview with Variety. " — Shaquille O’Neal (Variety) O’Neal will serve as commissioner of the league.

Dunkman originated as a six-episode competition series that aired late last year. The initiative reflects broader efforts by media companies to develop their own sports programming amid rising costs for rights to major leagues like the NFL and NBA.

Discovery also partners with the Unrivaled three-on-three women’s basketball league and manages The Match celebrity golf tournament. Fox Corp. holds a major ownership stake in the UFL spring football league.

These ventures allow media companies to control content that fills their schedules. Craig Barry, executive vice president and chief content officer of Warner’s TNT Sports, stated in an interview that professional dunkers require organization as athletes.

Live events will air on TNT, TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with additional content available on the Dunkman website, social channels, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and YouTube.

Lee White, head of sports at WME Sports, which represents O’Neal, noted O’Neal's interest in improving dunk competitions.

O’Neal highlighted the inclusion of diverse participants, such as a Polish doctor who competed in the initial contest. The league aims to attract dunkers from around the world.