Netflix teams up with Obamas for star-studded basketball docuseries
Netflix has announced the premiere of a new documentary series, "Starting 5," which will take place on 9 October. The production will focus on the lives and challenges of LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, and Domantas Sabonis in the 2023-2024 season. According to the platform's information, viewers will get an "unfiltered view of life at the top of professional basketball."
The creators of the series include former U.S. President Barack Obama along with Michelle Obama through their production company Higher Ground.
Additionally, Uninterrupted—co-founded by LeBron James—is involved in the series. The executive producers also include Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron.
"Starting 5" is one of the largest documentary series about sports in Netflix's offerings. The platform appreciated the potential of films and documentary series about sports, expanding its portfolio with productions such as those about Formula 1 or the PGA Tour.
The docuseries has a chance to establish itself as a major player in the market thanks to the participation of outstanding athletes and creators.
Netflix is expanding its offerings with more documentary projects, working on series about Simone Biles and the Dallas Cowboys.
Netflix invests in sports
In light of Netflix's growing competition, both from other streaming platforms like Amazon and the interest of sports leagues, teams, and athletes who recently appreciated documentaries, "Starting 5" seems to be a strategic move.
This indicates a new direction in the development of Netflix's documentary content—investing in stories, which attract not only sports fans but also a wide global audience.
With the involvement of well-known producers and NBA stars, Netflix has a chance to strengthen its market position as a leader in producing the highest-quality sports documentaries.
