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LeBron James and Peyton Manning’s respective production companies are in talks to create a docu-series about NBA players.
James’ SpringHill Company and Manning’s Omaha Productions could collaborate on a series modeled after Netflix’s “Quarterback,” according to the Wall Street Journal.
“Higher Ground Productions, the production company of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, is involved in the discussions, as is the NBA,” wrote the WSJ. “The basketball show is expected to appear on Netflix.”
Netflix’s eight-part “Quarterback” followed three QBs — Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, and Marcus Mariota of the Atlanta Falcons – during the 2022 NFL season.
Manning’s Omaha executive produced the series, which delved into “what it takes to do the toughest job in all of sports.”
In November, Netflix will stream a live golf tournament dubbed “The Netflix Cup” featuring athletes from its “Full Swing” and “Drive to Survive” series.
“We are in the sports business,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said on the company’s third-quarter earnings call. “But we’re in the part of the sports business that we bring the most value to, which is the drama of sport.”
The media-savvy James and Manning are using their red-hot production companies to create their second acts in Hollywood and entertainment.
Front Office Sports exclusively reported Amazon Prime Video bringing back SpringHill’s “TNF in The Shop” alt-cast for a second season on “Thursday Night Football.”
Omaha, meanwhile, has struck paydirt with its Emmy Award-winning alternative telecast of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” with Peyton and Eli Manning. The brothers co-star in the “Places” series with other star athletes. Omaha has also sold series to ABC, NBCUniversal and A&E Networks.
Peyton Manning’s production company sold a minority stake to Peter Chernin’s North Road Company, which valued Omaha at $410 million.
Front Office Sports previously reported the former Super Bowl champion could parlay a sale of Omaha into enough capital to lead an ownership bid for an NFL franchise.
The 38-year-old James, a four-time NBA champion, is set to tip off his 21st season this week. The 47-year-old Manning retired from the NFL in 2016 after winning his second Super Bowl championship.
SpringHill and Omaha declined to comment on Tuesday.
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