In a stunning development for sports and film fans alike, Netflix has officially announced the production of “Summitt,” a highly anticipated biopic chronicling the extraordinary life and legacy of Tennessee Lady Vols coaching icon Pat Summitt. The streaming giant confirmed the project late Sunday night, revealing that none other than Vols legend Peyton Manning will serve as executive producer, bringing the story of his longtime mentor and friend to screens around the world.
Set for global release on September 20, 2025, “Summitt” will trace the inspirational journey of the trailblazing coach — from her rural Tennessee upbringing to becoming the winningest coach in NCAA Division I basketball history. The film promises a raw, emotional, and triumphant portrayal of a woman who shattered barriers in a male-dominated world and built a women’s basketball dynasty that captured the hearts of millions.
“Pat was more than a coach — she was a force of nature, a mentor, and a hero,” Manning said in a statement. “Bringing her story to the world is the honor of a lifetime. Her legacy lives in every player she coached and every life she touched, and we want to make sure future generations understand just how powerful her impact was.”
In what’s being called one of the most inspired casting choices in recent sports cinema, Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain is reportedly in final talks to play Summitt, though Netflix has yet to confirm. The film will be directed by Ava DuVernay, known for her emotionally gripping work in Selma and When They See Us.
Fans across Tennessee and beyond have erupted with excitement, with “Summitt Movie” trending on social media within minutes of the announcement. Former Lady Vols greats like Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker have voiced their support for the project, many of whom are expected to be involved in consulting roles to ensure authenticity.
“Coach Summitt taught us to play hard, live with integrity, and lead with strength. I can’t wait to see her story come to life,” Catchings said.
Netflix says the film will explore not just Summitt’s triumphs — including eight national championships and 1,098 career wins — but also her fearless battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, which she bravely went public with in 2011. Her fight against the disease, which eventually took her life in 2016, galvanized national awareness and inspired the creation of the Pat Summitt Foundation, which continues to fund research and education to this day.
The project is already being compared to other iconic sports biopics like Remember the Titans and The Blind Side, and insiders say it could be a major awards contender in 2026.
As Manning said in his announcement: “This is more than a movie. It’s a message. Pat Summitt’s story is America’s story — full of struggle, strength, and ultimate triumph.”
Get ready, Vol Nation — the world meets Summitt on September 20, 2025.
