ESPN’s new documentary series, Declared will air on ESPN+ on June 13. The series will follow NBA skill trainer, Chris Brickley as he works with draft prospects challenging them on an off the court.
What’s happening:
- ESPN has announced the new seven-part documentary series, Declared will debut its first episode on Thursday, June 13, on ESPN+.
- Declared follows premier NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley and explores the behind-the-scenes process and intense work required to navigate the “game within a game” as prominent NBA prospects make the decision to declare for the NBA draft and chase their dreams.
- Throughout each episode, Brickley will push four of his young clients – draft prospects Jaxson Hayes, Kevin Porter Jr., PJ Washington and Zylan Cheatham – challenging them to work, improve and grow physically and mentally, both on and off the basketball court.
- The series will also give fans an inside look at each of the players lives as NBA prospects, visiting their hometowns for insight from family, friends and coaches who inspire them.
What they’re saying:
- NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley: “What we do in the gym is no secret. It’s a lot of hard work. It requires these players to get comfortable being uncomfortable, but each of these guys has their own story of how they got to this seminal moment. It’s my job to help get them to their next chapter, and I’ll do everything I can to help them get it.”
About the series:
- The first episode of Declared, “The Game According to Brick”, follows Brickley as he works through a typically long, grueling day preparing for workouts in the gym and meeting with clients, while exploring the experiences and relationships that inform the ambition and drive he brings to each of the talented players who work with him.
- The series’ seven episodes, produced by MATTE Films and 7x Media, will premiere on ESPN+ throughout the NBA Draft and the NBA Summer League, leading up to the 2019-20 NBA season.
About ESPN+:
- ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
- It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
- Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
About MATTE Films:
- MATTE is a full-service creative agency and production company based in New York City.
- Since 2013, MATTE has created culturally relevant entertainment properties and brand campaigns.
- MATTE Films produced documentaries:
- FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (Netflix)
- LeBron James’ Long Live the King
- Puff Daddy’s Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: The Bad Boy Story.
- MATTE’s original entertainment properties include multidimensional music & art project BLACK as well as FNT – an emerging league of combat sports, fused with hip hop.
- For more, visit matteprojects.com / @matteprojects.
About 7x Media:
- 7x manages the digital assets of athletes and influencers.
- Based in NYC & LA, 7x scales, manages, and monetizes its clients’ social media presences.
- It helps create authentic and engaging content, with an innovative process that streamlines brand collaboration and sponsorship opportunities.