Shaq to swim against Michael Phelps on ABC

Shaq is back at ABC.

After flopping a couple summers ago with weight-loss series "Shaq's Big Challenge," the network is once again launching a reality series with the basketball star. In "Shaq Vs.," Shaquille O’Neal will compete against top-name athletes at their own sports.

The network has lined up a pretty impressive array of names for Shaq to battle. He'll swim against Michael Phelps, play football with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, play tennis vs. Serena Williams, beach volleyball with Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor and box Oscar de la Hoya, among others.

Given the talent he's facing, however, how does the show not devolve into Shaq losing each episode?

From the release:

“These athletes may be on top of their game, but I am up for the challenge,” said O’Neal. “I plan to train hard and win, so look out.”

“Shaq is the only one with the athletic skills and personality to carry this unique project,” said John Saade and Vicki Dummer, co-heads of Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. “It’s Shaq versus the best athletes in the world, competitors who aren’t afraid of the challenge….or Shaq’s humor.”

The one-hour series will premiere Aug. 18. Media Rights Capital, in association with dick clark productions, will produce.