Netflix is working on an NBA-focused show in the vein of 2023 hit Quarterback, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The series is reportedly set to feature the Heat’s Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, the Lakers’ LeBron James, the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis and the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum.
James is also expected to be a producer on the show through his SpringHill Company, along with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and the Obama family’s Higher Ground Productions. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the possibility of the series in October.
Omaha contributed to Quarterback, which featured Patrick Mahomes among others and became Netflix’s most watched show by its second week on the service. It followed a number of other sport-specific follow-along series that have tracked pro athletes in Formula 1, golf, tennis and beyond. Netflix has reportedly also been considering a potential bid for live NBA rights, possibly tied to the league’s new In-Season Tournament.
Netflix declined to comment Wednesday on the state of the NBA show, which Charania reported is actively taping. The premiere date remains unknown.
SpringHill previously worked with Netflix on the 2022 film Hustle, which included a breakout role for Edwards in the Adam Sandler vehicle. The 22-year-old is currently scoring 26 points per game for the Western Conference leading Timberwolves.
Tatum, meanwhile, is averaging more than 27 points per game for Boston, which is currently atop the Eastern Conference. Sabonis and the Kings have been a surprise story in the league over the last couple years. And earlier this week, Sacramento was given the NBA Team of the Year Award for its business performance.
James’ Lakers are currently struggling at 19-19, though they did win the first NBA Cup and he is averaging 25 points. Coming off a Cinderella NBA Finals appearance as a No. 8 seed, the Heat have recently been without Butler due to a foot injury but are still 21-15; Butler has put up 21 points per game.