SlamBall to relaunch in July with Celtics' Griffin among investors

Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin is among the investors helping to bring SlamBall back to television screens.

The sport, which combines elements of basketball, football, and hockey with trampolines, is set to return in July after completing an $11-million Series A funding round, according to Doug Greenberg of Front Office Sports. The relaunch will consist of a six-week regular season and one week of playoffs, all played in Las Vegas.

Other investors who participated in the funding round include Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils co-owner David Adelman, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment co-founder David Blitzer, and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.

SlamBall, invented in 1999 by Mason Gordon, made its television debut in 2002, airing for two seasons on The National Network (now the Paramount Network) before the league was dissolved.

"It's an incredible feeling to be back, and especially by popular demand," Gordon said. "I want to thank SlamBall's persistent and passionate fans for making this comeback possible and our investors for helping make the dream real. This is a true Cinderella story - only with helmets, pads, and trampolines."

Gordon first announced the sport's return in August 2022.

Discussions regarding SlamBall's television distribution are underway. Mandalay Sports, producers of the Emmy Award-winning "The Last Dance," are also developing a documentary series about the sport.