Dunkman

Professional dunking league founded by Shaquille O'Neal

Dunkman (styled DUNKMAN) is a professional dunking league founded by Shaquille O'Neal, who is also its commissioner. O'Neal announced it in April 2026 in partnership with TNT Sports, describing it as the first professional league for dunking. It followed a six-episode Dunkman television series that aired in 2025.

Format

The first season, in 2026, had 24 dunkers from around the world competing in four group-stage events, with eight going on to a world championship. Each dunk is scored by a panel of judges. Events were shown on TNT, TBS, truTV and HBO Max. The league's partners include Authentic Brands Group and Eli Lilly and Company.

2026 season

Cam Hazzard won the first Dunkman World Championship on 25 August 2026 in Atlanta, taking a $500,000 prize that the league describes as the largest in dunking history. In October 2026 Cronkite News reported that a second season was planned.