• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 26, 2026

SlamBall to Return in Summer 2023, Founder Announces

  • The American version of the extremely physical, trampoline-infused basketball league played its last season in 2008.
  • Mike Tollin — who most recently executive produced ESPN’s “The Last Dance” and “The Captain” — is involved in the project.
Man-dunking-SlamBall
SlamBall

One of the wildest alternative sports of the 2000s is making a comeback.

On the 20th anniversary of its television debut, SlamBall founder Mason Gordon announced to TMZ Sports that the league will return in Summer 2023.

The American version of the extremely physical, trampoline-infused basketball league played its last season in 2008. Since then, it has popped up in various minor forms around the world — including in China, where it gained a sizable following.

Gordon is partnering with producer Mike Tollin — who most recently executive produced ESPN’s “The Last Dance” and “The Captain” — on the project.

“My partners and I have always looked at it and said, ‘we’re not gonna come back until the market conditions are really optimal,’ and the alternative sports marketplace is just on fire,” says Gordon. “Younger audiences are really out there looking for a sport they can call their own.”

After the over decade-long hiatus, SlamBall — with its short games and heavy action — could be a hit in an age of social media where younger sports viewers aren’t always watching full-length games.

“SlamBall just kind of fits the bill,” Gordon says. “They’re 20-minute games, television half hours. People have always really gravitated to the action.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Pacers Coach Criticizes NBA Over $100K Tanking Fine: ‘Ridiculous’

Aaron Nesmith sprained his elbow on Feb. 2 against Houston.
exclusive

Inside the WNBA’s Proposed New Economic System: Bigger Share for Stars, Less..

Roster construction will be very different when the league returns.

Injury-Riddled NBA MVP Race Won’t Shake Up Teams’ Books

Multiple stars are in jeopardy of being ineligible for MVP. 

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.

Paramount Says WBD Deal Would Help CBS Turnaround

The CBS Sports parent company lauds its NFL and UFC programming.
February 24, 2026

U.S. Gold-Medal Game Draws 20.7M Viewers for NBC, a Morning Record

The gold-medal hockey game draws an NFL-like audience.
Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
February 25, 2026

F1 CEO Defends Apple Leap: ‘Bigger’ Reach With ‘Other People’

F1 believes it’s making up for what it’s losing in reach elsewhere.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
Jan 4, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; TNT sportscaster Marv Albert looks on before a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
February 24, 2026

Family Business: Marv Albert Marvels at Son Kenny’s Gold Medal TV Performance

“He was tremendous,” Marv Albert says of his son’s career-defining performance.
February 24, 2026

Kenny Albert Flooded With 483 Texts After His Golden Hockey Call

Messages from the likes of Gretzky, Torre, and Palin poured in nonstop.
The Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, U.S. November 18, 2025.
February 24, 2026

Warner Bros. Weighs Revised Paramount Offer

The TNT Sports parent company is reviewing the latest acquisition offer.
The Savannah Bananas played the Texas Tailgaters at Great American Ballpark on Friday June 13, 2025. The game included music, dancing, non-baseball games, backflips and featured Reds players like Todd Frazier, Bronson Arroyo and Sean Casey. The Bananas will play the Texas Tailgaters again on Saturday to a packed Great American Ballpark.
February 24, 2026

Why Savannah Bananas Are Expanding Their ESPN Deal

The new deal will see ESPN platforms air 25 Bananas games in 2026.