Saturday, October 17, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.”

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Draws New Lines on What Fans Can Bet On

The league is restricting risky player props.

NBA’s In-Game Wearables Push Hinges on How Data Is Used

Adam Silver acknowledges concerns about data being used in contract negotiations.

EuroLeague Sets $9B Valuation Target in 10-Year Plan

The league’s “value is growing very rapidly,” its CFO said.
Aug 3, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream partner Renee Montgomery watches a game against the Washington Mystics in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Renee Montgomery: Moving Finals Games Was a ‘Group Project’

Montgomery didn’t confirm whether Game 6 would be played at State Farm Arena.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Opinion
October 15, 2026

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.