Getty Image / Robert Mora
SlamBall is officially back after signing a multi-year broadcast partnership with ESPN.
For those that may not remember SlamBall, it is an absolutely electric from of basketball played using 4 trampolines in front of the nets AND it is a contact sport.
Here is a taste of what’s to come:
TMZ Sports was first to break the news, minutes before ESPN sent out a press release about the return of SlamBall.
In the press release, SlamBall creator and CEO Mason Gordon said:
“ESPN’s multi-year commitment to SlamBall is further validation of the enormous appeal and growth potential of our sport. The level of interest in our hybrid team sport not just in the U.S., but across the world, has been beyond our expectations for the 2023 season. It’s clear that this is the best talent we have had in the sport’s history.”
ESPN‘s Sr. Director of Programming & Acquisitions, Ashley O’Connor, added:
“We are excited to partner with SlamBall, a league that combines elements of some of our fans’ favorite sports, resulting in a unique game that is sure to entertain viewers across ESPN’s platforms.”
According to the announcement, SlamBall recently raised $11 million in a Series A round of funding. SlamBall was founded by Mason Gordon and Mike Tollin back in 1999 but now is the PERFECT time for its triumphant return.
The league has previously shut down in 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2016. But hopefully this means it’s here to stay.
The market for contact sports has never been bigger. ESPN’s reach as the Worldwide Leader in Sports with ESPN+ and TV broadcasting rights is unmatched. All signs indicate this will be a match made in heaven.