In a futuristic corporately owned world where traditional sports are no longer existent, a new, highly violent game known as Rollerball has emerged as the primary form of entertainment. This game combines roller derby, motorcycling, and basketball into a fast-paced and deadly competition, where scoring points often takes a backseat to inflicting as much violence on the opponents as possible. The matches are broadcast globally, drawing massive audiences and generating substantial revenue for the corporations that own the teams. Within this high-octane setting, a talented young athlete named Jonathan Cross is recruited to play for a team based in Central Asia. Jonathan quickly rises to stardom, buoyed by his remarkable skills and thrilling performances, becoming a fan favorite and the face of Rollerball.

As Jonathan becomes more involved in the world of Rollerball, he starts to notice the darker aspects beneath its glossy surface. The corporations, especially the one controlling his team, manipulate the games for higher ratings, often at the expense of the players' safety and well-being. The realization that the sport is rigged for profit and spectacle leads Jonathan to question the morals of the game and those who are in charge. His doubts grow as he witnesses firsthand the dangerous lengths to which the organizers will go to maintain high viewership and keep the public entertained, forcing him to make tough decisions about his future in the game and his values.