LeBron James’ biggest impact on his superstar peers in the basketball world might just be in what he’s done off the court, providing something of a blueprint for how a star athlete can create a business and media empire while still playing.
James and his SpringHill Entertainment company have produced a number of documentaries, films, and TV shows, and in recent years another star in Kevin Durant have followed suit with The Boardroom on ESPN+. Durant’s teammate, Steph Curry, founded his own media company, Unanimous Media, and will join James in making a foray into network television.
The two-time MVP has partnered with ABC for a new mini-golf competition TV show called, and I cannot tell you how happy I am to inform you this is the real name, “Holey Moley,” as reported on Wednesday by Variety. Curry will executive produce the show and also appear as the “resident golf pro” on broadcasts (whatever that means), while Joe Tessitore and Rob Riggle will be in the booth and Jeannie Mai will be on sideline (sidecourse?) reporting duty.
The show will get a 10-episode first season and the details of the show’s format, via Variety, are truly incredible.
In each of the first season’s 10 episodes, 12 contestants will put their miniature golf skills to the test and try their luck on the “Holey Moley” course’s supersized holes. Every episode will consist of three rounds of golf, culminating with three finalists taking on the daunting “Mt. Holey Moley” finale in a three-way contest. Ultimately, one winner per episode will take home the $25,000 prize, along with “The Golden Putter” trophy and coveted “Holey Moley” plaid jacket. Uniquely themed holes will be featured every week, along with special celebrity guest appearances.
Everything about this seems extremely corny and cheesy but I also am all in. I’m really excited to see what “Mt. Holey Moley” actually is, as, I guess, the “big boss level” of the mini-golf course. Curry’s love for golf is well known, as he’s made two appearances on the Web.com Tour as a sponsor’s exemption and gets to bring that golf knowledge to the masses.
