SpringHill Company
The SpringHill Company is an American entertainment development and production company founded in 2020 by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.[1] Headquartered in Los Angeles, it encompasses subsidiaries such as SpringHill Entertainment, Uninterrupted—a digital media platform—and The Robot Company, focusing on animation and visual effects, with the aim of creating culturally resonant content across film, television, digital media, and live experiences.[2][3] Under CEO Maverick Carter, the company has produced notable projects including the Warner Bros. film Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), starring James, and the Netflix sports drama Hustle (2022).[4][5] In November 2024, SpringHill merged with the UK-based Fulwell 73 to establish Fulwell Entertainment, a combined entity that secured $40 million in investment to bolster its position in a competitive media landscape, with Carter serving as co-CEO alongside Fulwell partners.[6][7]History
Founding and Initial Development (2020)
The SpringHill Company was established in 2020 by LeBron James, a professional basketball player, and Maverick Carter, his longtime business associate, as an entertainment development and production entity. The company integrated prior operations from SpringHill Entertainment, which James and Carter had launched in 2007 for scripted and unscripted content, and Uninterrupted, Carter's digital media platform focused on athlete-driven storytelling. This consolidation aimed to create a unified brand emphasizing empowerment through narrative content across film, television, and digital formats.[8][9] On June 25, 2020, SpringHill announced a $100 million investment round led by Fenway Sports Group, with participation from Nike, Epic Games, and others, valuing the company at approximately $725 million in subsequent assessments but providing initial capital for expansion. This funding enabled the hiring of key executives, including a board comprising industry leaders like Maria Elena Baigorria and Paul Wachter, to oversee strategic growth. The investment reflected confidence in James and Carter's track record, including prior productions such as the documentary I Promise and the HBO series The Shop: Uninterrupted.[10][11] Initial development accelerated through strategic partnerships, including a four-year first-look deal with Universal Pictures announced on September 29, 2020, granting the studio priority access to SpringHill's film and television projects, such as an adaptation of James's memoir Shooting Stars. In October 2020, SpringHill entered a multi-project development agreement with Audible for audio content, further diversifying into podcasts and audiobooks. These moves positioned SpringHill to prioritize content reflecting real-life experiences, with early emphasis on sports-related narratives and inspirational stories, though financial reports later indicated operational losses amid industry challenges.[12][13][14]Expansion and Key Projects (2021–2023)
In October 2021, SpringHill Company secured a private equity-led investment valuing the firm at $725 million, with RedBird Capital Partners taking the lead and additional backing from Nike, Epic Games, and Fenway Sports Group.[15][16] This capital infusion supported accelerated growth across multiple verticals, including intellectual property development, content production, brand consulting, commerce, and emerging areas such as video games and live events.[16] The period saw SpringHill ramp up its production slate, beginning with the theatrical release of Space Jam: A New Legacy on July 16, 2021, a Warner Bros. feature starring LeBron James that blended live-action and animation.[17] Subsequent scripted projects included the Netflix sports drama Hustle, directed by Jeremiah Zagar and released on June 8, 2022, focusing on a basketball scout's discovery of an undiscovered talent; and Fantasy Football, a Paramount+ family comedy premiering November 25, 2022, centered on a teen gaining football-predicting abilities.[17][18] In early 2023, the company co-produced the remake of House Party, released January 13 via New Line Cinema and Warner Bros., updating the 1990 comedy classic with a modern ensemble cast.[18] This was followed by Shooting Stars, a biographical sports drama about LeBron James' high school years, which debuted on June 2, 2023, after initially being slated for Peacock before shifting distribution.[17] On the unscripted front, SpringHill partnered with CNN for See It Loud: The History of Black Television, a four-part documentary series examining the evolution of Black representation in the medium, which premiered July 9, 2023.[19] Amid these outputs, the company pursued strategic adjustments, announcing a February 13, 2023, reorganization that eliminated 10 roles—approximately 5% of staff—while committing to hire 24 new employees to refine operations and bolster expansion.[20][21] Additionally, on April 20, 2023, SpringHill invested in a seed round for Hana Kuma, a production outfit focused on diverse storytelling, signaling diversification beyond core productions.[22]Recent Mergers and Strategic Shifts (2024–present)
In November 2024, the SpringHill Company announced a merger with Fulwell 73, a UK-based production firm known for projects including The Kardashians.[7] [6] The deal, structured as a combination of the two entities, included a $40 million growth investment from existing investors to bolster operations amid industry challenges.[7] SpringHill co-founder Maverick Carter was appointed co-CEO of the combined company alongside Fulwell 73's Leo Pearlman, with the merger expected to close by year-end.[6] [23] The transaction closed on February 1, 2025, rebranding the entity as Fulwell Entertainment, an overarching banner integrating Fulwell 73's partnerships and SpringHill's assets.[23] This move consolidated production capabilities across Los Angeles, New York, London, and Sunderland, aiming to enhance scale in unscripted, scripted, and sports content amid a contracting media market.[23] [24] The merger followed reports of SpringHill's financial difficulties, including a $28 million net loss on $104 million in revenue for 2023, after a $17 million loss in 2022, with projections for continued deficits into 2024.[25] [26] These losses, driven by high production costs and uneven project returns, underscored a strategic pivot toward partnerships for sustainability rather than independent expansion.[25] No further mergers or major acquisitions have been reported as of October 2025, though the combined entity has emphasized integrated global operations to navigate streaming fragmentation.[23]Founders and Leadership
LeBron James' Contributions
LeBron James co-founded The SpringHill Company in June 2020 with longtime business partner Maverick Carter, consolidating his prior ventures—SpringHill Entertainment (established in 2008 for projects like the documentary More Than a Game), The Robot Company, and Uninterrupted—into a diversified entertainment entity focused on film, television, and digital content. As Chairman of the board, James contributed personal equity and strategic vision, emphasizing empowerment through storytelling for underrepresented communities, particularly Black athletes and creators, while securing an initial $100 million investment from backers including Nike, Epic Games, and Fenway Sports Group to fuel operations and IP development.[27][28][16] James' hands-on involvement has driven key productions, including starring in and executive producing Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), which grossed over $160 million worldwide despite mixed reviews, and expanding the Uninterrupted-backed talk series The Shop into a broader platform for athlete-led narratives. His celebrity leverage facilitated high-profile partnerships, such as Netflix deals for scripted series and documentaries, and apparel extensions via SpringHill's marketing arm, generating revenue streams beyond traditional media.[14][29] Under James' leadership, the company achieved a $725 million valuation in October 2021 following a minority stake sale to RedBird Capital Partners and others, enabling hires like president Devin Johnson and expansions into global markets. He has overseen strategic pivots, including the November 2024 merger with Fulwell 73—infused with $40 million from existing shareholders—to form a transatlantic production powerhouse amid industry challenges, though SpringHill reported $28 million in losses for 2023 on $104 million in revenue.[30][15][5]Maverick Carter's Role
Maverick Carter co-founded SpringHill Company with LeBron James in 2020, serving as its chief executive officer (CEO).[1] In this capacity, he directs the company's overall strategy, including content production across film, television, and digital media, while fostering partnerships that align with its mission to create culturally resonant storytelling.[31] [32] Carter's leadership emphasizes building authentic brands and driving innovation in entertainment, drawing from his prior experience managing James's business interests through LRMR Ventures, which he co-founded in 2006.[33] Under his guidance, SpringHill has expanded into a multifaceted production entity, securing deals such as the 2024 partnership with Mediawan for co-producing original film and TV content.[34] He also oversees unscripted programming initiatives, exemplified by the 2023 launch of the podcast series Mavericks with Mav Carter, which explores entrepreneurial and cultural topics.[31] As an executive producer, Carter has contributed to key SpringHill projects, including the NBA documentary Dream Team (2022) and the space-themed film Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), ensuring alignment between creative output and commercial viability.[35] His role extends to mergers and acquisitions, such as the integration with Fulwell 73 in 2024, which bolstered SpringHill's unscripted content capabilities.[36] Carter's approach prioritizes long-term brand equity over short-term gains, leveraging his background in sports management to navigate Hollywood's competitive landscape.[37]Organizational Structure
SpringHill Company functions as a parent entity overseeing subsidiaries dedicated to diverse facets of content creation, including SpringHill Entertainment for film and television production, Uninterrupted for digital media and athlete empowerment initiatives, and The Robot Company for animation and innovative storytelling tools.[38] This structure enables specialized operations while centralizing strategic oversight under its co-founders. Prior to its 2024 merger, the company was led by co-founder LeBron James as chairman and Maverick Carter as chief executive officer, with additional executives such as chief content officer Jamal Henderson and chief operating officer Philip Martin handling content development and day-to-day management, respectively.[31][39] Functional teams span creative development, production, finance, brand partnerships, operations, and people & culture to support cross-subsidiary collaboration.[40] In November 2024, SpringHill merged with Fulwell 73 in a deal described as a merger of equals, resulting in co-CEOs Maverick Carter and Leo Pearlman leading the combined organization, which integrates SpringHill's sports and narrative expertise with Fulwell's unscripted production capabilities.[36][24] The merger, backed by investors including Fenway Sports Group and RedBird Capital Partners, preserves subsidiary autonomy while streamlining global operations for scaled content delivery.[24] This evolution addresses competitive pressures in media by enhancing resource allocation across approximately 245 employees.[41]Business Model and Operations
Core Strategy and Revenue Streams
The SpringHill Company's core strategy revolves around creating culturally resonant entertainment that empowers underrepresented communities through storytelling, while owning intellectual property and extending into branding and commerce. This integrated model leverages the founders' platform to develop content across scripted, unscripted, and digital formats, emphasizing direct-to-consumer engagement and long-term IP monetization over traditional Hollywood silos. By combining production capabilities with marketing and athlete-focused media, the company positions itself as a multifaceted "house of brands" that prioritizes narrative control and diversified growth.[16][42] Key operational pillars include IP development via SpringHill Entertainment for films and series, digital content through Uninterrupted—which focuses on athlete narratives and expands beyond ad-supported shows into branded experiences—and consumer initiatives like More Than an Athlete for apparel and lifestyle products. The strategy has evolved to include global partnerships, such as the 2024 merger with Fulwell 73 to bolster international production scale, and co-production deals like the September 2024 agreement with Mediawan for original content. This approach aims to mitigate reliance on volatile studio deals by building owned assets and direct revenue channels, though it has involved significant upfront investments leading to reported losses of $17 million in 2022 and $28 million in 2023.[34][43][25] Primary revenue streams stem from production fees earned through development and licensing agreements for television, film, and streaming content with partners including Netflix, HBO, and Disney. Licensing of IP, such as distribution rights for projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), provides backend participation and residuals. Commerce contributes via merchandise sales, notably apparel and products under the More Than an Athlete imprint, alongside sponsorships tied to Uninterrupted's athlete content and events like The Shop. In 2021, these diversified streams supported a $725 million valuation following investments from Nike, Epic Games, and others, though ongoing expansion has yet to yield profitability.[42][44][45]Subsidiaries and Partnerships
SpringHill Company operates through several integrated entities established at its founding in 2020, including Uninterrupted, a media and consumer products company focused on athlete-driven content; The Robot Company, a full-service marketing and branding agency; and SpringHill Entertainment, dedicated to feature films, television, and digital production.[2][46] Uninterrupted was formally acquired by SpringHill Company on April 3, 2020, enabling expanded athlete empowerment initiatives.[47] Key partnerships include a 2021 investment round where RedBird Capital Partners, Fenway Sports Group, Nike, and Epic Games acquired a significant minority stake, valuing the company at $725 million and providing capital for content expansion.[48] On September 24, 2024, SpringHill entered a global content partnership with Mediawan to co-develop and produce original films and series across multiple territories.[34] In November 2024, SpringHill Company completed a merger of equals with Fulwell 73, a UK-based production firm known for unscripted content like The Kardashians, forming Fulwell Entertainment under co-CEOs Maverick Carter and Leo Pearlman.[6][49] The merger, backed by an additional $40 million from existing investors including Fenway Sports Group and Nike, aims to enhance capabilities in unscripted, sports, and alternative programming while integrating SpringHill's scripted assets.[36]Productions
Feature Films
SpringHill Company entered the feature film space with Space Jam: A New Legacy, a sequel to the 1996 animated-live action hybrid, released on July 16, 2021, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film stars LeBron James as himself, alongside animated Looney Tunes characters, and follows a plot where James and his son are transported into a virtual reality basketball game to compete against rogue AI. Produced in partnership with Warner Animation Group, it grossed $130.9 million worldwide against a $150 million budget, marking a theatrical return amid the COVID-19 pandemic but underperforming relative to expectations. In 2022, the company released Hustle on Netflix on June 8, directed by Jeremiah Zagar. The sports drama stars Adam Sandler as a veteran NBA scout discovering a raw talent (Juancho Hernangómez) in Spain, blending real basketball footage with narrative elements. Co-produced with Happy Madison Productions, it received positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of the sport, earning a 7.3/10 on IMDb from over 159,000 users and topping Netflix charts in multiple countries.[50][51] Shooting Stars, a biographical sports drama adapted from LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger's memoir, premiered on Peacock on June 2, 2023, directed by Chris Robinson. The film depicts James's high school basketball journey with his St. Vincent-St. Mary teammates, emphasizing themes of friendship and perseverance, with Marquis "Mookie" Cook portraying a young James. It became Peacock's most-watched original film debut, resonating with audiences through its inspirational narrative rooted in verifiable events from James's Akron upbringing.[52][53] The remake of House Party, directed by Calmatic in his feature debut, was released theatrically and on HBO Max by Warner Bros. on January 13, 2023. Produced with New Line Cinema, the comedy follows two aspiring promoters (Tosin Cole and Jacob Latimore) hosting a bash in LeBron James's mansion, incorporating modern hip-hop elements and cameos. It updates the 1990 original's party-centric humor but earned mixed reception, with a 29% Rotten Tomatoes score, attributed by critics to uneven pacing despite strong cultural callbacks.[54][55]| Film Title | Release Date | Director | Platform/Distributor | Key Production Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Jam: A New Legacy | July 16, 2021 | Malcolm D. Lee | Warner Bros. (theatrical/streaming) | Sequel with animated elements; James stars and executive produces. |
| Hustle | June 8, 2022 | Jeremiah Zagar | Netflix | Sports drama with real NBA cameos; Sandler leads. |
| House Party (remake) | January 13, 2023 | Calmatic | Warner Bros./HBO Max | Comedy remake; ties into James's persona via setting. |
| Shooting Stars | June 2, 2023 | Chris Robinson | Peacock | Biographical; based on James's memoir. |