The first game of basketball was played in 1891 at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Far from its modest beginnings, the sport has grown into a global phenomenon — and on the Olympic stage, the stakes of the game have never been higher. Produced by Olympic Channel, Higher Ground Productions and Words + Pictures Production, Court of Gold offers an exclusive glimpse into the journey of athletes striving for Olympic glory, showcasing the dedication and effort required to reach the pinnacle of international basketball.
“Basketball has become the world’s game, the Olympics is the world’s greatest stage, and Court of Gold is simply the best access ever granted to an Olympic competition, Words + Pictures CEO and executive producer Connor Schell tells Tudum. “The idea that our cameras would be given a backstage pass to the most competitive global basketball competition ever was a dream come true and the foundation for a truly special show.”
Directed by Jake Rogal, Court of Gold follows potential medal contenders and promising hopefuls in men’s basketball as teams from the USA, France, Serbia, and Canada compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“The Paris Olympic basketball tournament was the single greatest collection of basketball talent from around the world to ever compete in an Olympic Games, all putting their lives on hold and bodies on the line for pride and country,” says Ethan Lewis, Senior Vice President of Non-Fiction at Higher Ground Productions. “That’s what makes the Olympics so special, the world’s greatest athletes competing for something bigger than themselves and bringing the world together while they do it.”
With intimate, behind-the-scenes access, the series explores how the game of basketball became so globally competitive, with insight and color from generations of legends.
“Court of Gold was a unique opportunity for us to tell the story behind the story of the men’s Olympic basketball tournament during Paris 2024, and we are very excited for the launch of this unprecedented series,” Olympic Broadcasting Services CEO and Olympic Channel Services executive director Yiannis Exarchos tells Tudum. “By allowing viewers to see the action behind the scenes and with the incredible access granted by FIBA and the leading teams, you will have the chance to relive the Olympic Games through the eyes of some of your favorite global basketball stars.”
“Viewers will get to hang out with Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, and Nicola Jokic behind-the-scenes and on the court,” says Schell, “From training sessions to team dinners, and get a real sense of just how hard it is to win a gold medal.”
The series features interviews with players, coaches, and experts, including an unexpected emotional moment with Team USA’s Kevin Durant (Team USA/Phoenix Suns power forward). There are also interviews with Steph Curry (Team USA/Golden State Warriors point guard), Steve Kerr (Team USA/Golden State Warriors head coach), Victor Wembanyama (Team France/San Antonio Spurs center), Rudy Gobert (Team France/Minnesota Timberwolves center), Bogdan Bogdanović (Team Serbia/Atlanta Hawks shooting guard), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Team Canada/Oklahoma City Thunder point guard), RJ Barrett (Team Canada/Toronto Raptors shooting guard), USAB legend and former Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade, French-American former San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, Canadian basketball coach Steve Nash, former NBA and Team USA small forward/power forward Carmelo Anthony, and more.
Court of Gold is produced by Olympic Channel, Higher Ground Productions and Words + Pictures Production. Executive producers include: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Connor Schell, Jason Hehir, Yiannis Exarchos, JT Taylor, Jérôme Parmentier, David Herren, Ethan Lewis, Vinnie Malhotra, Aaron Cohen, Alexa Conway, Mary Byrne, and Kostas Karvelas.
Watch Court of Gold on Netflix now.
