A new era for high-flying basketball entertainment has arrived with the launch of DUNKMAN, the first professional league dedicated entirely to dunking.
Created by Shaquille O’Neal and Authentic Brands Group, the league aims to provide elite dunkers with a global platform and a sustainable career path while elevating one of basketball’s most exciting skills into a standalone sport.
DUNKMAN features 24 of the world’s top dunkers, including international standouts such as China’s Dengxing Chen and three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung. The inaugural season consists of five live events, with four group stages leading to the World Championship on Aug. 25.
Judges score every dunk, and competitors battle for a record-setting $500,000 grand prize, the largest payout in dunking history.
Fans can follow the action on TNT and HBO Max, with additional coverage available through Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and DUNKMAN’s social media channels. Vince Carter, Draymond Green, CashNasty, and host Adam Lefkoe headline the broadcast team.
This season opened at OTE Arena in Atlanta, where Cam Hazzard dominated Group Stage A by capturing the title, earning Dunk of the Night honors, and taking home $35,000. His signature “Hazzard 360” set an early standard for the competition.
Attention now turns to Atlanta native Avante Nichols, who will compete in Group Stage B on July 28. Nichols says he’s entering DUNKMAN determined to bring energy, creativity, and unforgettable performances as he looks to help push the sport of professional dunking to new heights.
