BlackSportsOnline Founder Debuts Sports Noir Novel

Robert Littal's MAX POWER: A Maxwell Powers Mystery acquired by Heliotrope Books

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:09pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, shiny black leather book cover, the dramatic lighting creating a sense of glamour and intrigue around the publishing of a new sports-themed mystery novel.The gritty, high-contrast textures of a sports-themed mystery novel hint at the secrets and drama lurking beneath the surface of the publishing industry.Los Angeles Today

Robert Littal, the CEO and founder of BlackSportsOnline, has signed a publishing deal with Heliotrope Books for his debut fiction novel, MAX POWER: A Maxwell Powers Mystery. The novel, described as 'Sports Noir,' follows a retired NBA champion named Maxwell Powers who finds himself at the center of a murder mystery involving secrets and intrigue in the world of professional sports.

Why it matters

Littal's transition from sports media to fiction writing represents an interesting career pivot, as he looks to expand his creative output beyond his successful 20-year run leading BlackSportsOnline. The 'Sports Noir' genre he is pioneering could also open up new storytelling possibilities at the intersection of sports and mystery/thriller.

The details

MAX POWER: A Maxwell Powers Mystery is slated for release during Super Bowl week 2027. Littal will continue to lead BlackSportsOnline while expanding his work as RL Little, with plans to build the Maxwell Powers series into a multi-book franchise. The announcement will be accompanied by the launch of dedicated social channels, a website, and a newsletter, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing journey and future developments within the Maxwell Powers universe.

  • MAX POWER: A Maxwell Powers Mystery is scheduled for release during Super Bowl week 2027.
  • Robert Littal founded BlackSportsOnline in 2005 and has been a mainstay in sports media for over 20 years.

The players

Robert Littal

The CEO and founder of BlackSportsOnline, a respected independent sports media platform. He is making his debut as a fiction writer under the pen name RL Little.

Heliotrope Books

A New York-based independent publisher that has acquired the rights to Littal's debut novel, MAX POWER: A Maxwell Powers Mystery.

Maxwell Powers

The protagonist of Littal's debut novel, a retired NBA champion who finds himself at the center of a murder mystery involving secrets and intrigue in the world of professional sports.

Diego Harrison

Littal's agent, who helped facilitate the publishing deal with Heliotrope Books.

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What they’re saying

“I believe life is like chapters in a book, and mine has been a hell of a ride. Some highs, some lows, but through it all I've tried to always put my authentic self out there, flaws and all.”

— RL Little, Author

“I am grateful to Heliotrope Books and my agent, Diego Harrison, for believing in me and, more importantly, believing in Maxwell Powers. I am blessed beyond belief to have had the career I've had, but I want to take it to the next level and hopefully make this next chapter of my life a bestseller.”

— RL Little, Author

What’s next

The launch of dedicated social channels, a website, and a newsletter will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing journey and future developments within the Maxwell Powers universe.

The takeaway

Littal's transition from sports media to fiction writing represents an exciting new chapter in his career, as he looks to expand his creative output and potentially build a new multi-book franchise around the 'Sports Noir' genre he is pioneering with the Maxwell Powers series.