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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is launching “Dunkman,” a new competition series that aims to turn professional dunking into its own standalone sport. The series premieres tonight, Tuesday, July 21, at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, with 24 elite dunkers competing for a $500,000 grand prize and the title of Dunkman World Champion.
Cord-cutters can watch the premiere for free on DIRECTV (5-day free trial) and other streaming services listed below.
‘Dunkman’ streaming overview
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 1
- Date: Tuesday, June 21
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channel: TNT
- Streaming: DIRECTV (5-day free trial), Sling, HBO Max
How to watch ‘Dunkman’ for free
Viewers without cable can stream "Dunkman" for free via DIRECTV. The live TV streaming service includes live access to TNT and a 5-day free trial, allowing viewers to watch at no cost. Cancel anytime.
Sling’s Orange Plan also includes TNT and offers one-day, weekend, or weekly passes for a one-time payment starting at $4.99 for those looking to watch without a monthly subscription.
Episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max, which you can bundle with Disney+ and Hulu to save 42% compared to subscribing separately.
What are the differences between the streaming services?
DIRECTV - Watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks. Enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news, and must-see shows the moment they air. Included: unlimited cloud DVR storage space so you can record as many shows as you want and stream them from wherever you go. DTV starts as low as $19.99/month after a 5-day free trial when you shop their customizable genre packs.
Sling - With plans starting at $45.99/month, Sling offers customizable channel lineups for sports, news, and entertainment. Now, Sling adds even more value with passes that let you stream live TV without a subscription: just $4.99 for a day, $9.99 for the weekend or $14.99 for a full week. These one-time payments are perfect if you just want to watch a single show, live game or special event. No commitment, no auto-renewal, just affordable access when you need it.
With so many streaming platforms and ever-changing subscription prices, it’s always worth checking the latest free trials and promo deals to make sure you’re getting the best value when tuning in.
What is ‘Dunkman’ about?
Created in partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, TNT Sports, and Authentic Brands Group, “Dunkman” is billed as the world’s first professional dunk league.
The inaugural season features 24 athletes from around the globe competing in a new league format across four group-stage events. Competitors will be judged on their creativity, athleticism, and execution as they battle for a spot in the championship round.
The season culminates with the Dunkman World Championship on Aug. 25, where one athlete will take home a $500,000 prize.
Who is competing in ‘Dunkman’ Episode 1?
The first group-stage competition features six dunkers:
- Doug Anderson
- Shelby McEwen
- Dengxing Chen
- Cam Hazzard
- Jonathan Edwards
- Joel Henry
Among the season’s notable competitors are three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung, China’s top dunker Dengxing Chen, Isaiah Rivera, and Tyler Currie.
Who hosts ‘Dunkman’?
Adam Lefkoe serves as host of the series.
The broadcast team also includes NBA Hall of Famer Vince Carter, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, and Basketball creator CashNasty.
Shaquille O’Neal serves as the founder and commissioner of the league.
‘Dunkman’ schedule
The first season will air over five live telecasts:
July 21: Group Stage A
July 28: Group Stage B
Aug. 4: Group Stage C
Aug. 11: Group Stage D
Aug. 25: Dunkman World Championship
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