Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credits: Imagn)

How Will Dunkman Work? Inside Shaquille O’Neal’s League Format, $500K Prize, and Broadcast Plans

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 11:36 AM ET

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is receiving a lot of flak at the moment. Things have gotten so serious that personalities like Stephen A. Smith blamed LeBron James for ruining the contest. But for Shaquille O’Neal, he is on his quest to find the best dunker in the world.

In a recent announcement, the Los Angeles Lakers legend, in partnership with Authentic Brands Group and Warner’s TNT Sports, announced the launch of Dunkman, which is touted as the first professional dunking league in the world. This is quite a fitting statement for someone whose NBA career boasts of 4000 dunks, including the playoffs.

What Is The Format Of Shaquille O’Neal’s Dunkman?

The inaugural season will launch in the summer of 2026. In the initial edition, a total of 24 players will fight among themselves to win the title of the best dunker in the world. According to reports, the league will feature five live events. There will be four group stage competitions, along with a title fight.

Dunkman will also have elite-level judges who will use “an Olympic-level scoring system that sets a modern standard for professional dunking.”

Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credits: Imagn)

What Is The Prize Money For Shaquille O’Neal’s Dunkman?

Financial incentives are one of the biggest motivators. And the pool of participating athletes will have enough motivation to power through the tournament and clinch the lucrative prize money. Dunkman will have a grand prize of $500k for the winner.

Speaking about the league, O’Neal said, “These athletes are innovators and Dunkman is going to give them a global stage, real stakes, and a chance to build careers doing what they love. We are transforming dunking from a one-night contest to the fastest growing professional sport off two feet.”

What Are The Broadcast Plans For Shaquille O’Neal’s Dunkman?

O’Neal’s latest dunking show will have a host of broadcasting options. Among the officially listed platforms, there will be TNT, TBS, truTV, and HBO Max, to name a few. However, apart from these, there will be several social platforms where fans can enjoy the thrilling contest.

Interestingly, before the launch of the new event, there was a television series named Dunkman which aired last year. O’Neal confirmed that his initiative will be trying to build on the popularity of the six-episode series.