Shaquille O'Neal, Authentic Brands Group and TNT Sports will launch "DUNKMAN" Presented by Lilly, in partnership with Credit One Bank. The first night of live competition takes flight July 21, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on TNT and HBO MAX.

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.

The live league events will air across TNT and HBO Max with additional content across "DUNKMAN" social channels, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and YouTube.

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.

Providing commentary during the inaugural season will be dunk icon Vince Carter, 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 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 league's elite roster of 24 dunkers includes three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung, China's top dunker Dengxing Chen, Tyler Currie and Isaiah Rivera.

"DUNKMAN" Programming Schedule:

July 21, 8 p.m. (ET/PT) TNT & HBO Max
Episode 1 (Group Stage A)
Doug Anderson
Shelby McEwen
Dengxing Chen
Cam Hazzard
Jonathan Edwards
Joel Henry

July 28, 8 p.m. (ET/PT)
Episode 2 (Group Stage B) TNT & HBO Max
Mason Baker
Jonathan Clark
Tyler Currie
Dillan McCarthy
Avante Nichols
Gustavo Haakin

August 4, 8 p.m. (ET/PT) TNT & HBO Max
Episode 3 (Group Stage C)
New Williams
Aeramiah Binford
Vadym Piddubchenko
Hyrum Fechser
Darius Clark
Isaiah Rivera

August 11, 8 p.m. (ET/PT) TNT & HBO Max
Episode 4 (Group Stage D) TNT & HBO Max
Brandon Ruffin
Marlow Gilmore
Antonio Eaglan
Dylan Haugen
Will Bunton
Mac McClung

August 25, 8 p.m. (ET/PT) TNT & HBO Max
Episode 5 (World Championship)

Fans can follow the build-up to the inaugural season, including city announcements, athlete reveals, ticket on-sale dates and broadcast information, at www.dunkman.com and across "DUNKMAN" social channels @dunkmanofficial. Additionally, Shaquille O'Neal serves as founder and commissioner.

IN OTHER TV NEWS:

HALLMARK LAUNCHES NATIONAL SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S MERRIEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS:

The search is on. Hallmark is inviting communities across the country to show why they deserve to be named among America's merriest Christmas towns with the launch of Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. Towns nationwide can enter for the chance to be recognized as one of 25 official Hallmark Christmas Towns, with one grand prize-winning town to be featured in a Hallmark original movie. The contest kicks off Hallmark Channel's 25th birthday celebration, a months-long tribute to the fans and communities whose warmth, connection, and holiday spirit have helped make the network a beloved destination for comfort and joy all year long. Contest details are available at hallmarkchannel.com/merriest.

From October through December and beyond, social media fills with images of cozy snow-covered towns, festive holiday decor, heartfelt acts of kindness and care that feel straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Wreath-lined main streets and charming storefronts have long inspired people to call these places "Hallmark towns." Now, Hallmark is making that title official.

Now through August 10, 2026, fans can nominate towns that embody Hallmark's signature blend of warmth, connection, community spirit, holiday tradition, neighborhood charm, and goodwill. Twenty-five towns will be recognized as "Official Hallmark Christmas Towns" and receive an official seal, along with promotional assets to help celebrate and share the designation.

"Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Towns Contest is our way of saying thank you to the most passionate fanbase in television while celebrating the towns and communities that embody our core values of comfort, joy, and connection, especially during the Christmas season," said Darren Abbott, Hallmark Media president.

The contest is part of a months-long tribute to the fans whose loyalty, traditions, and enthusiasm have made Hallmark a lasting part of homes, holidays, and pop culture. Alongside special programming, fan experiences, and events, the contest brings that celebration directly to the communities that have long helped define the Hallmark spirit.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL:

Hallmark Channel is Hallmark Media's flagship 24-hour cable television network. As the country's leading destination for quality, feel-good entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. The network's lineup of signature original content includes movies, primetime scripted series, and specials. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate holidays, seasons, and life's special moments, Hallmark Channel is home to a host of annual programming events, including the highly successful Countdown to Christmas, which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. Rounding out the network's slate are some of television's most classic comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "Reba" and "Gilmore Girls."

To visit the network website, please visit www.hallmarkchannel.com. Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok.