EAST LANSING, MI — July 3, 2025 — In a groundbreaking entertainment deal that merges basketball legacy with cinematic storytelling, Michigan State legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson has signed a $13.5 million contract with Netflix to produce a seven-episode docuseries chronicling his iconic journey with the Michigan State Spartans.
Titled “Magic: The Spartan Spark,” the series will offer an unprecedented look into Johnson’s rise from Lansing to East Lansing, through his unforgettable 1979 national championship run, and beyond — exploring how one young man changed the course of college basketball and helped elevate Michigan State University into a national powerhouse.
More Than a Documentary — A Tribute to a Legend
This project is not just another sports documentary. According to early production notes, it’s a cinematic tribute, blending archival footage, dramatized reenactments, behind-the-scenes interviews, and newly uncovered stories from Magic’s time under legendary coach Jud Heathcote. Interviews will include Tom Izzo, Draymond Green, Mateen Cleaves, and several current Spartan players who see Magic as their guiding inspiration.
“This is for the people of Michigan. For my school. For the legacy,” Magic said in a statement. “Michigan State changed my life. Now I get to tell that story — not just how I played the game, but how that place shaped the man I became.”
A Spartan Story With Global Reach
Netflix executives describe the series as “inspirational, electric, and emotional,” with the goal of reaching not only basketball fans but audiences inspired by resilience, leadership, and transformation.
Magic’s partnership with Netflix follows the success of previous sports series such as The Last Dance and Quarterback, but “Magic: The Spartan Spark” is expected to set a new standard for storytelling through the lens of collegiate greatness.
Michigan State Celebrates the Moment
Michigan State University President Teresa Woodruff praised the announcement: “Magic Johnson is more than a basketball hero — he is a symbol of hope, unity, and Spartan pride. This series will show the world what we’ve always known: he’s pure magic.”
Production has already begun, with the premiere date expected in spring 2026.
One thing is certain — when Magic tells his story, the world listens, and Michigan State rises with him. 💚🏀✨
