Mumbai: Lionsgate has acquired worldwide distribution rights from St. V, LLC to the documentary More Than A Game. Directed by Kristopher Belman and produced by Harvey Mason Jr. and Bel man, More Than A Game tells the true story of five talented young basketball players, including future NBA superstar LeBron James, and their remarkable journey from Akron, Ohio to the national high school championship series. The film is written by Brad Hogan and Belman; joining Mason and Belman in producing are Matthew Perniciaro and Kevin Mann. The executive producers are Maverick Carter, LeBron James and Jimmy Iovine. The announcement was made jointly by Lionsgate president acquisitions and co-productions Jason Constantine and Lionsgate president theatrical films Tom Ortenberg.

Lionsgate in association with Harvey Mason Media and Interscope Records plans to release More Than A Game in Fall 2009. The film made its world premiere at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival, where the audience responded with a five-minute standing ovation. Lionsgate will be joined in marketing More Than A Game by the NBA and by LeBron James’ brand partners, State Farm, Nike and Coca-Cola.

Belman said, "I have tremendous admiration for the films Lionsgate has released, so it’s very exciting to have this studio behind More Than A Game. I know this movie’s in the best possible hands."

Speaking on behalf of the film’s producers, Mason commented, "We are thrilled that Lionsgate has joined the More Than A Game team. They have an amazing track record and we feel very fortunate to be joining forces."

Constantine and Ortenberg said, "More Than A Game is so much more than a documentary. It’s a film that appeals simultaneously to niche viewers and broad audiences. That’s not an easy feat to pull off, but thanks to great filmmaking, a great story and a great cast, More Than A Game is a slam dunk."

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Acquisitions and Co-Productions vice presidents Constantine, Ortenberg, Eda Kowan and executive vice president business and legal affairs Wendy Jaffe. The film’s sale was represented by Endeavor Independent.