Being Ben: ESPN documentary follows Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback – Australian basketballer Ben Simmons speaks about his career, the scrutiny that followed his years with the Philadelphia 76ers and his attempt to re-establish himself in the NBA in a new E60 documentary. Being Ben premieres on ESPN at 7.30pm AEDT on Monday 19 October 2026.
For Australian viewers, ESPN is available through Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports and Fetch TV. That gives the film several viewing routes as Simmons begins a new chapter with the Sacramento Kings. The story also reaches beyond basketball: the documentary follows his passion for fishing and the South Florida Sails business he owns.
From Melbourne to the NBA spotlight
Simmons’ journey began on basketball courts in Melbourne before he became the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. He emerged as a leading player for Philadelphia, a club facing championship expectations. Being Ben revisits that rapid ascent as well as the pressures that accompanied it.
One pivotal moment came in Game Seven of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons passed up an open dunk, a play that drew intense scrutiny. The documentary examines how injuries, public doubt and the fallout from that period reshaped his career.
Now, with the Kings, Simmons is attempting to reclaim a place in the league. The film also explores fishing as a competitive outlet that calls for preparation and patience. Andscape senior NBA writer Marc Spears spent time with Simmons on the water in the Florida Keys and conducted extensive interviews for the documentary.
Who appears in Being Ben?
The interview list reaches across Simmons’ Australian background, his Philadelphia years and his current team. Former 76ers head coach Doc Rivers and former teammate Danny Green appear, along with Trae Young, who faced Simmons with Atlanta. Former Philadelphia assistant coach Lloyd Pierce and Simmons’ godfather and former coach David Patrick also contribute.
The documentary includes Kings general manager Scott Perry and Adam Caporn, head coach of the Australian men’s national basketball team. Journalists Keith Pompey, who covered Simmons for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and longtime New York Post writer Brian Lewis offer reporting perspectives. Spears also speaks with Simmons himself.
Julian Gooden produced and directed Being Ben for ESPN’s E60 in association with Andscape. E60 has used a single-story documentary format across television and streaming since 2020. ESPN says the sports storytelling brand has received 118 Sports Emmy nominations and 23 wins since its founding in 2007, as well as two Peabody Awards.
Being Ben premieres Monday 19 October at 7.30pm AEDT on ESPN. Availability is through Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports and Fetch TV in Australia; viewers should check their provider’s ESPN listing.
For more TV Central ESPN coverage, head here. Visit ESPN Australia for more sports coverage.
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