PREMIERE

"SHAQ VS" PREMIERES AUGUST 18 ON ABC

O'Neal to Challenge Michael Phelps, Ben Roethlisberger, Serena Williams, Oscar de la Hoya, Albert Pujols, Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor

"Shaq VS," a new, one-hour competition series starring NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal in which he will take his athletic prowess beyond the basketball court and strive to become a champion in a new sporting event each week, will debut TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In the premiere episode, "Shaq VS Ben Roethlisberger," Shaq will visit Ben's home and take on the Super Bowl-winning quarterback in a quarterbacking challenge. While there, they will both train at the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice facility and end up in a traditional 7-on-7 game at Ambridge High School in Ambridge, PA before a packed house in the 7,500 seat stadium.

Mike Goldberg and Pat Tomasulo host, while Charissa Thompson serves as sideline reporter.

"Shaq VS" follows Shaq and his athletic adversary throughout the rigorous training process and the pre-game hype, including press conferences and interviews, all leading up to the final competition. To level the playing field, Shaq will negotiate a handicap with his opponent and train with a coach for one week leading up to each challenge.

"Shaq VS" is produced by Media Rights Capital in association with dick clark productions. Orly Adelson, Will Staeger and Barry Adelman of dick clark productions, Shaquille O'Neal, Scott Messick and Perry Rogers serve as executive producers.

"Shaq VS" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5/1 channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

For more information on "Shaq VS," visit ABC.com.