Peyton Manning's 'Full Court Press': A Spotlight on the Rise of Women's Basketball
Amidst the soaring popularity of women's basketball, renowned NFL legend Peyton Manning steps into the arena to propel the WNBA into the mainstream with his captivating docuseries, Full Court Press. This groundbreaking show offers an intimate glimpse into the relentless determination, formidable challenges, and personal journeys of three of the league's most promising rookie stars.
The Genesis: 'Quarterback' and the Inspiration
The idea for Full Court Press germinated from Manning's involvement in Netflix's Quarterback, a docuseries that unveiled the behind-the-scenes lives of elite NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariotta. Witnessing the raw and compelling narratives of these athletes ignited a spark in Manning, prompting him to seek similar stories in the realm of women's basketball.
Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Kiki Rice: The Chosen Trio
Manning's gaze fell upon three rising stars poised to make a significant impact on the WNBA: Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Kiki Rice. Clark, a dynamic guard from the University of Iowa, was the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Cardoso, a towering center from the University of South Carolina, followed shortly after, selected fourth overall by the Fever. Rice, a skilled guard from the University of California, Los Angeles, joined the Seattle Storm as the 14th overall pick.
Unprecedented Access: Behind the Scenes
Full Court Press sets itself apart through its unprecedented access to the players' lives during their final college seasons. Manning's production team captured the grueling work, relentless challenges, and personal sacrifices that these aspiring stars endured as they navigated the path to the WNBA.
Beyond Entertainment: Inspiring the Next Generation
While offering captivating entertainment, Full Court Press harbors a loftier aspiration: to inspire the next generation of women's basketball players by showcasing the remarkable journeys of Clark, Cardoso, and Rice. Manning believes that by highlighting the unnoticed dedication, countless hours of practice, and unwavering determination that these young women possess, he can motivate young girls to pursue their own dreams on the court.
Platform and Availability
The first two episodes of Full Court Press premiered on ABC on Saturday, May 11th, at 1:00 PM ET. The remaining two episodes aired the following day, May 12th, on ESPN, at 12:30 PM ET. Fans eager for even more behind-the-scenes content can find exclusive footage on ESPN, the streaming home for the complete four-episode docuseries.
Manning's Impact on Women's Basketball
With Full Court Press, Peyton Manning leverages his influential platform to elevate the narratives of women's basketball and its stars. By providing an intimate look into the lives of three exceptional athletes, he aims to inspire a new wave of young players and showcase the dedication and self-belief required to excel in the WNBA.
