The Big “O”: Oscar Robertson’s America

2026


Directed by
Steve James & Kevin Shaw
Produced by
Steve James; Kevin Shaw & Aron Phillips
Edited by
Michael Vollmann
Executive Producer
Jeremy Coon & Barry Poltermann

In the 24/7 sports news cycle we currently live in, the greats (see: LeBron, Serena, Brady, etc.) get the bulk of the airtime. But when people talk about the GOATs, there’s recency bias. Enter Oscar Robertson, an unparalleled superstar whose bona fides are unimpeachable. For years, he’s let his record (and records) speak for itself. That is, until now.

Who put his career at risk in the fight against the NBA for free agency? Oscar. Who challenged the NCAA’s use of the name, image and likeness (NIL) of its former student-athletes? Oscar. But to understand the man, before all the championships and Hall-of-Fame inductions and jersey retirements, you must go back to the beginning of this quintessential American story.

THE BIG O: Oscar Robertson’s America will be a compelling three-part docuseries that traces the life and legacy of one of the greatest basketball players ever—one who’s little understood legacy off the court paved the way for the modern game that has empowered and enriched athletes beyond earlier generations’ wildest imagination.