BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About South Carolina Gamecock Women’s Basketball Legend A’ja Wilson, Slated for Release on July 12
Netflix has officially announced the release date for The Underdog, a powerful new documentary chronicling the inspiring journey of women’s basketball icon A’ja Wilson. The film is set to premiere globally on July 12, 2025, and promises to offer an unprecedented look into Wilson’s life, career, and lasting impact on the game.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, Wilson rose to fame at the University of South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks to their first-ever national championship in 2017. Under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley, Wilson’s dominance on the court and her trailblazing presence off it made her a household name and an inspiration for young athletes across the nation.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, The Underdog delves deep into Wilson’s upbringing in Columbia, South Carolina, exploring her early battles with dyslexia, her navigation of the pressures of being a young Black female athlete, and her unrelenting drive to succeed. The documentary also highlights her meteoric rise in the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces, where she has become a two-time MVP and a central figure in the league’s growing popularity.
“From the playgrounds of Columbia to the bright lights of professional arenas, A’ja’s story is one of perseverance, community, and excellence,” DuVernay said in a statement. “We wanted to capture not just her triumphs, but the struggles that made her victories even more meaningful.”
The Underdog features exclusive interviews with Wilson’s family, former teammates, coaches, and fellow stars from across the sports world, including Dawn Staley, Breanna Stewart, and Candace Parker. Never-before-seen footage, personal journals, and behind-the-scenes moments promise to offer viewers an intimate portrait of Wilson not only as an athlete but as a person.
Netflix’s Vice President of Sports Content, Jamal Henderson, praised the project, calling it “a celebration of resilience and a testament to the power of believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you.”
Fans can expect a mixture of emotion, inspiration, and electrifying basketball moments as The Underdog traces Wilson’s path from underappreciated high school standout to global superstar and advocate for social justice.
With anticipation building rapidly, The Underdog is poised to be one of the must-watch sports documentaries of the year, shedding light on a modern legend whose story continues to break barriers and inspire future generations.
Mark your calendars: The Underdog debuts exclusively on Netflix on July 12.