In a move that has baseball fans buzzing and the sports world holding its breath, Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of “The Underdog” — a groundbreaking new documentary chronicling the rich, complicated, and often controversial legacy of the New York Yankees.

Set to premiere July 4, 2025, The Underdog promises to be more than just another sports documentary. With never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and a brutally honest look at the triumphs and trials of baseball’s most polarizing franchise, the film is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious projects Netflix has ever taken on in the sports genre.

A Different Take on the Yankees Legacy

While the Yankees are known worldwide as a symbol of dominance — with 27 World Series titles and countless Hall of Famers — The Underdog flips the narrative. The documentary explores moments where the Bronx Bombers weren’t on top, diving deep into the eras marked by scandal, heartbreak, rebuilding, and redemption.

From the post-Dynasty struggles of the 1980s, to the tension-filled late 2000s, to the modern pressure of living under the weight of impossible expectations, The Underdog tells the Yankees’ story through a lens that highlights their human side.

Voices Behind the Film

Directed by Ava DuVernay and produced in collaboration with SpringHill Company (LeBron James’ media company), the documentary features intimate interviews with Yankees legends like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Joe Torre, and even Alex Rodriguez — many of whom speak candidly about the pressure, the locker room drama, and what it really means to wear the pinstripes.

But the most surprising voices? Former rivals and outspoken critics.

“For once, we’re not seeing the Yankees as the empire,” said DuVernay in a recent press conference. “We’re telling the story of the men behind the myth — the underdogs within a dynasty.”

Why “The Underdog”?

The title, according to Netflix insiders, is symbolic. It refers not to the team’s record, but to the individuals — players like Don Mattingly, whose career was marked by brilliance and heartbreak without a ring; or Aaron Boone, forever defined by one swing; or even George Steinbrenner, the controversial owner who constantly fought public opinion, the press, and himself.

The documentary also delves into modern stars like Aaron Judge, whose leadership carries the burden of decades of expectations, and young players like Anthony Volpe, seen by many as the “next chapter” in a storied but weighty saga.

Early Buzz & Fan Excitement

The trailer, released earlier today, has already gone viral — with fans praising its emotional intensity and critics calling it “a must-watch even for non-baseball fans.” One scene, showing Jeter walking alone into an empty Yankee Stadium, has already sparked speculation that the documentary may reveal previously unshared personal reflections from the captain.

Release Details

“The Underdog” will drop exclusively on Netflix on July 4, 2025 — a fitting date for a team so intertwined with American identity. The documentary is expected to run as a limited series with six hour-long episodes, each focusing on a different era, player, or turning point in Yankees history.