This episode explores two ambitious plans to reshape professional sports. First, Shaquille O’Neal joins CNBC’s Alex Sherman to discuss Dunkman, a competitive league created to showcase elite independent dunkers from around the world. Shaq explains why basketball’s most spectacular play deserves its own professional platform—and why today’s best dunkers are not necessarily NBA stars.

Dunkman brings international competitors together in a structured league with professional judging and an initial $500,000 prize. Shaq says that figure could rise to $1 million as the competition grows. He also explains how online video and social media have helped independent athletes build audiences, develop increasingly difficult dunks and create opportunities outside traditional professional basketball.

The league evaluates performances across seven categories: difficulty, execution, originality, power, vertical leap, completion and crowd reaction. Shaq also shares memories of watching Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, explains why he never entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and offers a blunt assessment of why the event has declined. For Shaq, elite athletes have a responsibility to reward fans by competing and putting on a memorable show.

In the second conversation, Alex speaks with Larry Berg following the announcement that Berg will become the next commissioner of Major League Soccer. Berg discusses his lifelong connection to soccer, his experience as a minority owner of LAFC and his desire to help grow the sport across the United States and Canada.

Berg describes MLS as being at a “fork in the road” following the World Cup. He argues that the league already has world-class infrastructure but must now improve the quality of play, strengthen youth development, refine its roster and spending rules, and capitalize on increased interest in North American soccer.

He introduces the idea of an “MLS 3.0” grand bargain in which owners consider multiple interconnected reforms rather than debating one issue at a time. Berg also explains why European-style promotion and relegation could discourage investment in American stadiums, training facilities and player rosters. Instead, he suggests that MLS can create competitive jeopardy through knockout matches, playoff changes and performance-based spending opportunities.

Topics discussed:

• Why Shaq created a global professional dunking league
• Dunkman’s $500,000 prize and potential future payouts
• How professional dunkers are evaluated across seven categories
• Why top NBA players often avoid the Slam Dunk Contest
• Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins’ influence on Shaq
• Social media’s impact on athletes and sports entertainment
• Larry Berg’s path from Apollo and LAFC to MLS commissioner
• How MLS can convert World Cup interest into long-term growth
• Berg’s proposed MLS 3.0 strategy
• Why promotion and relegation may not fit the MLS business model
• Salary rules, transfers and roster-building flexibility
• MLS academies, pay-to-play concerns and youth development
• The importance of supporter culture and live match experiences
• Leagues Cup as a bridge between MLS, Liga MX and World Cup-style competition

Approximate timestamps:

01:30 Why Shaq believes dunking deserves a professional league
03:00 Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and Shaq’s early inspiration
04:30 Social media, YouTube and modern athlete visibility
06:00 Dunkman’s international competitors and prize money
07:45 The seven Dunkman judging categories
10:15 Shaq’s long-term vision for competitive dunking
11:45 Why the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has declined
13:35 Larry Berg’s path to becoming MLS commissioner
16:35 How MLS can benefit from World Cup momentum
19:20 Why promotion and relegation may not work in MLS
21:25 Berg’s MLS 3.0 plan and proposed grand bargain
24:15 Turning new soccer viewers into MLS supporters
26:55 Youth soccer, academies and pay-to-play concerns
30:10 MLS relationships with FIFA and national soccer organizations

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