Shaquille O’Neal and Inside the NBA might be premiering on ESPN. However, the Big Diesel is making a return to TNT soon, and rims will be punished. The Lakers great is launching a new show, ‘Dunkman’. The name should say enough. It’s all about the best amateur dunkers from around the world showcasing their athleticism and creativity on the court.

A thirty-second trailer showed just how crazy things can get. But let’s dive into the specifics of the show.

What is the concept behind ‘Dunkman’?

The competition will feature 40 hand-chosen dunkers from around the world competing for the ‘Dunkman’ title. The show will air for six episodes. At the end of each episode, a few dunkers will be eliminated until one remains. The show also brings together a star panel that knows its stuff. Shaquille O’Neal is just one of them.

Each of them has had a notorious relationship with rims. And they will judge each contestant based on one simple rule. The craziest and most out-of-the-box dunks will lead to a higher score.

What is the prize money for the winner of the show?

There’s more than just bragging rights on the line here. A prize of $200,000 awaits the winner of the Dunkman show. However, that’s not all. The winner will also be presented with a trophy and walk away with the title. Being judged by NBA legends, the competition compels participants to make an intense competitive atmosphere.

You’ve seen some outrageous things in the NBA’s Dunk Contest. Well, get ready for the 40 contestants to turn up the heat.

Where and when will Dunkman premiere?

The show will air on December 4, 2025, on three platforms. TNT, HBO Max, and TruTV will broadcast the enticing show. Dunkman will be filmed at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta. The show will consist of six episodes.

Who are the judges for Dunkman?

Dunkman will be hosted by Adam Lefkoe, an analyst who has appeared with Shaq on numerous TNT shows in the past. The Big Diesel will be one of the hosts. The remaining cast includes a range of Dunk Contest champions and NBA legends. So far, the confirmed judges are Mac McClung, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, Chris Webber, and Vince Carter.

It guarantees one thing. The judges know exactly what goes into a jaw-dropping dunk. So the 40 contestants will have to go beyond ordinary imagination to impress this panel.

What opportunities could Dunkman present?

The participants appearing on Dunkman will gain exposure. It’s a chance to perform in front of some of their favorite NBA stars and in front of a large audience. Media exposure is bound to come. Additionally, with Shaq looking to revive Reebok, some of the contestants could feature in future campaigns if they put on a show.

TV exposure could help them create something for themselves, too. The deeper the contestants go, the more people will know about them. That’s the main opportunity. The show could help build a following. Then it’s up to the individual contestants on how to grow it forward.