Shaquille O’Neal, Authentic Brands Group & TNT Sports’ DUNKMAN Presented by Lilly – the World’s First Professional Dunk League – Starts Tonight at 8 p.m. ET on TNT & HBO Max

Shaquille O'Neal, Authentic Brands Group and TNT Sports will premiere the world's first professional dunk league, DUNKMAN Presented by Lilly, in partnership with Credit One Bank, tonight with live coverage on TNT and HBO Max starting at 8 p.m. ET.

The league's elite roster of 24 dunkers includes three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung, Dengxing Chen, Tyler Currie and Isaiah Rivera. Tonight's show - the first of four hour-long group stage events airing on Tuesdays throughout the summer - will feature six of the top dunkers from around the world, including Chen:

Doug Anderson

A veteran dunker from Kalamazoo, Michigan, now based in Denver, Colorado, "Fresh" has built a decade-plus career defined by elite power, height, and clean execution. Standing 6-foot-6 with a 42-inch vertical leap, the college dunk champion and three-time FIBA titleholder blends the styles of Vince Carter, Dominique Wilkins, and Shawn Kemp to create a signature approach featuring dunks like the J Rich Two Hand Reverse and Eastbay. Driven by family and a passion for inspiring others, Anderson prioritizes physical preparation and discipline over excessive repetition to maintain his longevity. As he enters DUNKMAN, he aims to showcase that clean, high-elevation dunking remains timeless while leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and high-level competition for future generations.

Dengxing Chen

Standing at just 5-foot-9 with a 52.76-inch vertical leap, Chinese high-flyer Chen, "Dunk Chen," has spent nearly two decades defying expectations to become one of Asia's most accomplished dunkers and a global ambassador for the sport. Inspired by Vince Carter, the Hangzhou resident developed an elegant, fluid style showcased by his signature between-the-legs dunk over multiple people, earning him prestigious titles such as Quai 54 World Dunk Contest Champion, CBA Dunk Contest Champion, and FIBA World Cup Dunk Contest runner-up.

Jonathan Edwards

A rising competitive dunker from Waterbury, Connecticut, "Airtime" has made a name for himself through smooth one-foot takeoffs, left-handed finishes, and original signature moves like the Scorpion, Fake Eastbay, and Behind the Back. After making his first dunk at age 17, he rapidly built an impressive résumé featuring NBA halftime shows, international contests, and motion-capture dunk work for NBA 2K. Edwards views dunking as a high-level creative art form that requires difficulty, style, and clean execution, and he enters DUNKMAN-the world's first professional dunking league-determined to represent Connecticut, inspire underrepresented athletes, and prove himself as "The Kid That Never Quit."

Cam Hazzard

Hazzard is a rising dunker from Dallas, Texas, known for his explosive power and elite vertical leap. After making his first dunk at age 15, Hazzard quickly established himself on the global stage with high-complexity signature moves like the 360 Inverter Eastbay, 360 Behind the Back, and 360 Under Both, as well as an appearance at the Jordan Jumpman event in London. Driven by constant self-improvement and a belief that dunking requires a blend of height, creativity, and distinct personal style, he enters DUNKMAN as one of the field's youngest competitors, aiming to test himself against the world's best, push the limits of the sport, and build a lasting legacy of resilience and hard work.

Joel Henry

A veteran professional dunker from London, England, who has spent more than 12 years establishing himself as one of Europe's premier aerial athletes. Standing 6-feet-tall with a reported 48-inch vertical leap, "Royal Guard" threw down his first dunk at age 16 and built an elite global reputation around a high-voltage style defined by power, technique, and signature creations like The Royal Flush. Driven by fearless competition and a desire to prove himself against the world's best, he enters DUNKMAN determined to capture the crown and leave a legacy as one of the greatest and most unique dunkers to ever step onto the court.

Shelby McEwen

McEwen is an Olympic silver medalist high jumper who brings extraordinary, world-class elevation to DUNKMAN. Born in Oxford, Mississippi, and now living in Texas, McEwen first dunked at age 13 and has built an athletic identity around extreme height, boasting a 6-foot-3 frame, a 43-inch standing vertical, and a reach near 12 feet. Known for high-flying finishes like his high school behind-the-free-throw-line dunk, he prioritizes pure elevation and innovation over simple tricks, drawing inspiration from Vince Carter's legendary Olympic dunk. Driven by his mother's support and a relentless work ethic, McEwen enters the league aiming to showcase his passion for dunking, push the boundaries of what is physically possible above the rim, and leave a history-making legacy that bridges elite track and field with professional dunking.

Providing commentary tonight will be NBA champion Draymond Green, popular hoops multiplatform creator CashNasty, who will provide the voice of the fan,and host Adam Lefkoe.

Overall, DUNKMAN will lead off with four hour-long group stage events - airing on Tuesdays throughout the summer - followed by the DUNKMAN World Championship on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The five weekly live telecasts will feature 24 of the best dunkers competing in a brand-new league format for the title of DUNKMAN World Champion and a grand prize of $500,000.

The new global league, which builds on the success of last year's DUNKMAN television series, will transform dunk competitions into a fully realized professional sport, providing top dunkers from around the world the platform to showcase their talent.

A panel of expert judges will evaluate each dunk attempt to determine which dunkers advance through the group stages and who is ultimately crowned DUNKMAN World Champion. Additionally, O'Neal serves founder and commissioner.

The season's first episode will also simulcast via the TNT Sports US YouTube channel, with

additional content across DUNKMAN social channels, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, available throughout the season.

Fans can follow the inaugural season at https://www.dunkman.com and across DUNKMAN social channels @dunkmanofficial.