EXCLUSIVE: The Ivan Reitman-directed football drama feature Draft Day (2014) from Lionsgate is being adapted for television with a new twist.
From Lionsgate TV, SpringHill, and Madison Wells, the series in development will capture the drama and excitement of watching star basketball players get drafted and fulfill their dreams, similar to the Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner and Chadwick Boseman film set in the world of the NFL.
The LeBron James and Maverick Carter-founded SpringHill will executive produce and Madison Wells, which produced the original film, will produce the TV series. A writer has not yet been attached.
“If you are going to do a show set in and around the world of basketball, one person comes to mind ahead of all others,” said Scott Herbst, EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Lionsgate Television. “The same passion, drive and commitment to excellence that drove LeBron James to be the best in the game is evident in everything he touches and with SpringHill’s oversight, this project is in the best possible hands.”
“This is a dynamic, character-driven project that perfectly captures the grind and hustle of professional sports,” added Jamal Henderson, Chief Content Officer, The SpringHill Company. “We’re excited to team up with Lionsgate to create a fresh look at the pressures and triumphs behind one of the most crucial days in any player’s career.”
Chadwick Boseman in Draft Day
Dale Robinette/Summit Entertainment
This series builds on Lionsgate’s long history of sports-themed IP, including movies and TV series like Draft Day, Warrior, Blue Mountain State and Uncle Drew, along with the studio’s new Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal series, currently in development.
The SpringHill Company develops and produces sports and entertainment-centered television and film releases with creators, brands and platforms worldwide. Previous titles include Top Boy on Netflix, The Crossover on Disney+, Survivor’s Remorse on Starz, Rez Ball on Netflix and Hustle starring Adam Sandler on Netflix.
Upcoming films from Madison Wells include Nonnas (directed by Stephen Chbosky, starring Vince Vaughn, on Netflix 2025), Prime Minister (the Jacinda Ardern documentary world premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz), and Miss You, Love You (written/directed by Jim Rash, starring Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells).
“I have always loved Draft Dayand I am delighted to see that it continues to strike a chord in the cultural zeitgeist. I have long held the belief that there is an opportunity to move the story to scripted episodic, and now is the right time with SpringHill, a true leader in sports entertainment, joining us and Lionsgate in this exciting next chapter,” commented Gigi Pritzker, Madison Wells CEO.
