What is SlamBall? Basketball Spin-Off Sport Returning in Summer 2023, Rules, Points Scores.
SlamBall is Bouncing Back.
The hybrid sport is aiming for the trampoline hardwood this summer after a nearly 20-year layoff and being promoted in August 2022.
The high-octane sport of SlamBall is making its return. In an interview with TMZ Sports, SlamBall inventor Mason Gordon said he is bringing back the sport in the summer of 2023.
Born from a wicked imagination combining basketball, gymnastics, hockey and football with a video game mentality, this Frankenstein of a sport began like many ideas; as a sketch on a napkin.
What is SlamBall?
In SlamBall, four trampolines with blocks and collisions on specific areas of the floor are used in a 4v4 game with basketball nets at each end of the court.
The three roles that players assume are handler, who essentially serves as the point guard, gunner, who is responsible for scoring most of the team's points, and stopper, who mainly defends.
Players score two points if the ball goes through the hoop unaided by a teammate and three points if it goes through the hoop and is slammed in.
As far as the scoring system goes:
- Two points if the ball is thrown through a hoop without an offensive player touching the hoop.
- Three points for slam dunks
- Three points for shots from beyond the three-point arc
What are the 2023 Slamball teams?
There are eight teams in the 2023 Slamball season. They are:
Gryphons
Mob
Ozone
Rumble
Lava
Slashers
Wrath
Buzzsaw
When is SlamBall returning in 2023?
The 2023 Slamball season begins on July 21 with the Rumble taking on the Mob at 7 p.m. ET. Regular-season play will run through Aug. 13, with a six-team playoff beginning on Aug. 15 and championship game on Aug. 17.
How to watch 2023 Slamball season, TV Channel
All Slamball games will be broadcasted on the ESPN family of networks, with the first three games broadcasted on ESPN. The rest of the regular season will air on ESPN+ or ESPN2.
The playoff games will air on ESPN+ and the championship game will be on ESPN2.
Where will the SlamBall games be played?
Las Vegas, Nev. is the city for the SlamBall games.
How long will the SlamBall season be?
The SlamBall regular season is to be six weeks along with a one-week postseason with the games itself being 20 minutes long.
2023 Slamball season kick-off on 21st July, regular season will run through 13th Aug, and the Championship Game will be held on Aug. 17.
What are the Slamball positions
There are three positions in Slamball:
Handler: The primary ball handler on the team that runs an offense and sets up other players for dunks. Similar to a point guard.
Gunner: The primary scorer on the team, typically is the player that attacks the rim for high-flying dunks. Similar to a forward or striker in soccer.
Stopper: The primary defensive player, protects the the rim from attacking players. Acts like a goalie in hockey or soccer.
With four players on each side, teams can have various amount of positions on the court, like having two gunners or two handlers.
What are the Slamball rules
The game is played between two teams in a 4-on-4 format, with four five-minute quarters.
- The court has four trampolines on each side for players to jump on to perform dazzling moves and slam dunks.
- Slam dunks are worth three points, while jumpshots are worth two points.
- There is a 3-point line for 3-point shots, and a new introduction this year is the beginning of a 4-point shot.
- There are fouls in the game, but instead of free throws, a face off happens between two players, similar to a penalty shot in hockey.
Who invented SlamBall?
In 1999, Mason Gordon came up with the concept for SlamBall. The first season was then started by Gordon and Mike Tollin, and it was broadcast on television in 2002 and 2003. Before becoming Spike TV, it had been carried on The National Network initially.
Why did SlamBall disband?
SlamBall disbanded in 2003 after two seasons due to a disagreement between Gordon and the network. It had a short-lived return in 2008 for one season.
Who are the investors for SlamBall’s return in 2023?
SlamBall completed an $11 million Series A funding round for its return, according to Front Office Sports. Here’s who is involved:
- David Blitzer: co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
- David Adelman: co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils
- Michael Rubin: CEO of Fanatics
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Entrepreneur
- Blake Griffin: Boston Celtics big man, six-time NBA All-Star
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