Shaquille O'Neal and TNT Sports have confirmed the launch date for "Dunkman", billed as the first professional league built around slam dunking, with live competition beginning on Tuesday 21 July at 8pm ET. The venture matters because it is the latest example of media companies creating their own sports properties to fill schedules and offset the rising cost of broadcasting established leagues such as the NFL, MLB and NBA.

O'Neal serves as founder and commissioner, having launched the league with Warner Bros. Discovery and Authentic Brands Group, with sponsorship from Eli Lilly and Credit One Bank. The 24-strong roster of dunkers—including three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung and China's Dengxing Chen—will compete across four qualifying nights before a world championship on 25 August, where a panel of judges will help decide a $500,000 grand prize. Events air on TNT and HBO Max, with commentary from Vince Carter, Draymond Green, CashNasty and host Adam Lefkoe.