LeBron James and ESPN are closing in on an agreement for a behind-the-scenes documentary series similar to Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance,” according to industry sources granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal, which is not finalized.
One of the sources described the talks as being at the “1-yard line,” with the expectation that James, 41, will have a camera crew documenting his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, with whom James signed this month. The 76ers are expected to be the final home of his legendary career.
The documentary is expected to also use footage from earlier in James’ career, as NBA crews have filmed him since he was a rookie, including some never-before-seen footage.
The financial terms and potential other components of the agreement are not yet known. When Netflix picked up the eight-episode Jerry Jones/Dallas Cowboys documentary, Puck reported the deal was for slightly less than $50 million.
For the James documentary, there is no set date for when it would be completed and air. ESPN and a representative for James declined comment.
James, a four-time NBA champion, signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers on July 26.
Jordan’s 10-part documentary was a cultural phenomenon when it aired in the spring of 2020, as sports were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ESPN broadcast the shows weekly, and then ESPN and Netflix hosted them on their apps. “The Last Dance” won a Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series” in 2020.
James and Jordan are widely considered among the two greatest players in NBA history. Jordan’s career was mostly pre-internet, which kept him slightly less in the spotlight than James.
As a 17-year-old junior in high school, James was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in February 2002. His career has coincided with the growth of the internet, the iPhone and social media, making it even more difficult to maintain privacy.
The documentarians might deviate from the template of Jordan’s “Last Dance,” but like most everything between the two all-time greats, there will inevitably be comparisons.