The Lithuanian men’s basketball team are making a splash at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. But they’re about to face two of their biggest challenges…

The Unified Team is made up of athletes representing the former Soviet republics. For newly independent Lithuania, could this be a moment to prove themselves on the world stage?

And as if that isn’t enough, the US Dream Team is made up of some of the best players in the world, including Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. Will Lithuania stand a chance?

The late NBA star and sports commentator Bill Walton presents this extraordinary true story which brings together basketball, the US rock band The Grateful Dead, and the fall of the Soviet Union. Bill passed away in 2024, not long after recording the series, and his family have given permission for its release following his death.

This episode was updated on 16 July 2025.

Amazing Sport Stories brings you the greatest twists and personal journeys from sport history. Listen for inspiring tales of courage, drama, myths and legends from all over the globe. All told in mini seasons and one-off documentary episodes. #AmazingSportStories

Amazing Sport Stories: Bill Walton’s The Grateful Team is a Bespoken Media production for the BBC World Service.