John Corn
01-18-03, 07:08 AM
"SlamBall," the television series and new extreme sport that launched last year on TNN, will be back for a second season this summer.
The hybrid team sport combines elements from basketball, football, hockey and gymnastics. It was conceived as a multitiered endeavor, with SlamBall venues set to open in neighborhoods across the country.
The renewal marks TNN's first pickup since the Viacom-owned basic cable network rebranded itself as the "first entertainment network for men" earlier this month.
"Young, upscale males really love the show, and word of mouth is growing it," newly installed TNN president Albie Hecht told Daily Variety. "Repeats play well, because viewers call each other up and say, 'Did you see that guy, when he went upside down, off the wall and underneath that thing? Let's get together next Saturday and watch."'
Pat Croce, former president and current limited partner-board member of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, will return as both a venture partner in the project and an occasional sideline commentator.
"SlamBall" debuted last year as a six-episode summer series that aired as part of TNN's "Slammin' Saturday Nights." Player recruitment and production on a 13-episode new season is scheduled to get under way this spring, with a debut expected in summer. The sport will expand to eight teams vs. the six teams involved in season one.
Full Story (http://tv.yahoo.com/news/va/20030116/104272080100.html)
The hybrid team sport combines elements from basketball, football, hockey and gymnastics. It was conceived as a multitiered endeavor, with SlamBall venues set to open in neighborhoods across the country.
The renewal marks TNN's first pickup since the Viacom-owned basic cable network rebranded itself as the "first entertainment network for men" earlier this month.
"Young, upscale males really love the show, and word of mouth is growing it," newly installed TNN president Albie Hecht told Daily Variety. "Repeats play well, because viewers call each other up and say, 'Did you see that guy, when he went upside down, off the wall and underneath that thing? Let's get together next Saturday and watch."'
Pat Croce, former president and current limited partner-board member of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, will return as both a venture partner in the project and an occasional sideline commentator.
"SlamBall" debuted last year as a six-episode summer series that aired as part of TNN's "Slammin' Saturday Nights." Player recruitment and production on a 13-episode new season is scheduled to get under way this spring, with a debut expected in summer. The sport will expand to eight teams vs. the six teams involved in season one.
Full Story (http://tv.yahoo.com/news/va/20030116/104272080100.html)