Los Angeles Dodgers icon Sandy Koufax, one of baseball’s most revered pitchers, has inked a groundbreaking $13.5 million deal with Netflix for a seven-episode documentary series chronicling his meteoric rise to greatness, set to premiere in late 2025. The series, produced by Skydance Sports, promises an intimate look at Koufax’s journey from a young Brooklyn prospect to a Hall of Fame legend who defined an era of Dodgers dominance. With exclusive interviews, archival footage, and insights from teammates and rivals, the project aims to capture the essence of a player whose brilliance transcended the sport.

Koufax, now 89, is celebrated for his extraordinary career, particularly from 1961 to 1966, when he redefined pitching excellence. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Koufax led the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1963 and 1965, earning MVP honors in the latter. His four no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1965, and a career 0.95 ERA in eight World Series starts remain unmatched. Off the field, his 1966 salary holdout with teammate Don Drysdale challenged baseball’s labor norms, paving the way for player empowerment. This series will delve into these moments, blending personal stories with the cultural impact of his legacy.

The Netflix deal comes amid a surge of interest in Dodgers history, following the team’s 2024 World Series triumph and their 8-0 start to the 2025 season, the best by a defending champion in MLB history. The series will draw on Koufax’s involvement, featuring new interviews where he reflects on his career, his Jewish heritage, and his decision to sit out a 1965 World Series game on Yom Kippur—a moment that resonated far beyond baseball. Archival footage will showcase his devastating fastball and curveball, while commentary from Dodgers greats like Clayton Kershaw and current stars like Shohei Ohtani will frame his influence on today’s game.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg, known for The Last Dance, the series will explore Koufax’s Brooklyn roots, where he signed with the Dodgers in 1955, and his transformation into a Los Angeles icon after the team’s 1958 move. Viewers will see behind-the-scenes moments, such as Koufax’s grueling recovery from arm injuries and his quiet resolve during high-stakes games. The series will also address his abrupt retirement at 30 due to chronic elbow pain, a decision that stunned the baseball world but cemented his mystique as a player who walked away at his peak.

The $13.5 million deal underscores Netflix’s investment in sports documentaries, following their 2024 Boston Red Sox series and the upcoming The Dodgers: A Legacy Forged in Blue, set for an August 15, 2025, release. Koufax’s project, however, stands out for its focus on a single player’s journey, offering a personal lens on a private figure. “Sandy’s story is about more than strikeouts and shutouts,” Berg said in a statement. “It’s about grit, principle, and a legacy that still shapes baseball.” Fans on X have echoed this excitement, with posts calling the series a “love letter to Dodger Blue” and a chance to “relive Koufax’s magic in HD.”

The Dodgers’ 2025 season, with a $400-million payroll and a roster featuring Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, has kept the franchise in the spotlight. Koufax’s series will tie this modern success to the team’s storied past, highlighting how his dominance laid the groundwork for the Dodgers’ enduring excellence. Promotional events, like the Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers jersey giveaway on June 4, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, signal the team’s embrace of this moment.

For Koufax, the series is a rare step into the public eye. Known for shunning the spotlight, his participation reflects a desire to share his story on his terms. The documentary will also touch on his post-career life, including his mentorship of pitchers like Kershaw, who credits Koufax’s advice for his 3,000th strikeout milestone in 2025. As the Dodgers chase a repeat championship, this series will remind fans why Koufax remains the gold standard of pitching greatness, his legacy as timeless as the game itself.