Set in the vibrant year of 1976, Jackie Moon, portrayed by Will Ferrell, is a charismatic singer who capitalized on the success of his hit single, "Love Me Sexy," to purchase the struggling basketball team, the Flint Tropics, in the American Basketball Association. Taking on multiple roles, he becomes not only the owner but also the head coach and starting power forward of the team.
As the ABA Commissioner reveals a significant plan to merge with the National Basketball Association, he announces that only four teams will make the transition. Unfortunately, the Tropics find themselves at the bottom of the league, facing dissolution. In a bold maneuver, Jackie proposes that the teams with the top four records should have a shot at joining the NBA, and the Commissioner reluctantly agrees to this proposal.
In a desperate bid to enhance the Tropics' chances, Jackie trades away the team's washing machine to the Kentucky Colonels to acquire Ed Monix (played by Woody Harrelson), a former backup point guard for the storied NBA Champion Boston Celtics. However, the challenge grows as the Commissioner reveals that the Tropics not only need a top-four ranking but also a stable fan base, with a minimum attendance of 2,000 fans required at every home game for the rest of the season.
Determined to rally support, Jackie resorts to outrageous stunts, including wrestling a bear named Dewie. As Ed joins the team, the Tropics start to improve, largely thanks to Monix's leadership and the enhanced intensity from Clarence Withers. Monix quickly earns the role of offensive and defensive coordinator while Jackie finds himself relegated to just the title of head coach. Under Monix’s coaching, the team undergoes rigorous training focused on a grueling play known as the "puke," forcing the players to run until they can no longer continue.
This intense training pays off, propelling the Tropics from last place to fifth in the league standings. Fueled by hope and excitement about the possibility of entering the NBA, Jackie receives disappointing news from the Commissioner that despite their progress, the NBA feels Flint lacks a robust media market. The dream seems shattered, prompting Jackie to reveal a heartbreaking secret: he had borrowed the inspiration for "Love Me Sexy" from a napkin his mother wrote on shortly before passing away.
With everything now in jeopardy, Jackie makes a sacrifice, trading Withers to the Spurs in pursuit of his dream. Monix rallies the team, motivating them to play their hearts out, emphasizing that although their franchise may not continue, they still have much to prove. Approaching the pivotal game against the Spurs—dubbed the "MegaBowl"—the Tropics aim to secure a victory that would place them in contention for fourth place, despite the grim reality of their chances.
As the game unfolds, the Tropics initially fall behind. Jackie is injured by a hard foul from Spurs player Petrelli while shooting. In a surreal moment, Jackie, now unconscious, imagines a heavenly encounter with his mother, where he expresses remorse for his deception. She empowers him with a weapon to win the final game. Awakening, Jackie devises a new strategy to unleash on the court: the Alley-Oop. Despite some initial resistance from the referee, they successfully implement the play, sparking a comeback.
As the Spurs adjust their defense, Monix calls for the "Puke" play with only 12 seconds remaining and the Tropics down by 2 points. Jackie is fouled once more, making one basket in a unique granny style shot and, in a dramatic finish, Monix tips in the rebound at the buzzer, clinching victory for the Tropics.
In the aftermath, the Spurs' coach offers Withers a spot back on the team. Simultaneously, the former ABA Commissioner proposes Jackie a role within the NBA as a marketing director. Just as he’s about to accept, chaos ensues when the bear he wrestled earlier suddenly mauls the Commissioner, leaving both Jackie and the audience in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
