Ballers (HBO 2015, Dwayne Johnson, John David Washington)

In Ballers Spencer is a retired football superstar who is trying to reinvent himself as a financial manager for current players in sunsoaked Miami. His inner circle includes Ricky, a talented but volatile wide receiver who seeks to balance his off-field antics with his passion for the game; Charles, a reluctantly retired lineman who’s finding it hard to adjust to civilian life; and Vernon, a player with a rookie contract, whose promise never to forget “where he came from” brings scores of hangers-on into his life, and lands him in big financial trouble. Though they’re pros when it comes to playing the game, each one has a harder time navigating life off the field.

From HBO’s press release, June 2017… After baring his soul at the rookie symposium and undergoing hip surgery, Spencer Strasmore returns with a new outlook and fresh goals, hoping to forge bonds with new players across the country while improving his relationships with existing clients. With league certification in hand, Joe Krutel and Spencer go after a jackpot deal. Ricky Jerret’s newfound discoveries affect his personal and professional life; Vernon Littlefield and Reggie accept a risky endorsement deal; ex-player Charles Greane learns that working in the front office is as rough as playing on the gridiron; and Jason Antolotti continues to orchestrate deals to satisfy both players’ bank accounts and their oversized egos. In an ever-changing business where the shelf life for stardom and multi-million-dollar contracts are short, Spencer is intent on proving that the key to successful sports management isn’t just about making money and having fun – it’s about delivering on the promises you make. Looking at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players.

cast
Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore
Donovan Carter as Vernon Littlefield
Dulé Hill as Larry Siefert
Jazmyn Simon as Julie Greane
John David Washington as Ricky Jerret
London Brown as Reggie
Omar Miller as Charles Greane
Rob Corddry as Joe Krutel
Troy Garity as Jason

key behind the scenes crew
Dany Garcia as Executive Producer
Denis Biggs as Executive Producer
Dwayne Johnson as Executive Producer
Evan Reilly as Executive Producer
Julian Farino as Executive Producer
Mark Wahlberg as Executive Producer
Peter Berg as Executive Producer/Director
Rob Weiss as Executive Producer
Steve Levinson as Creator/Executive Producer

show type
sitcom

broadcast from
6/21/2015 –
3 seasons with 30 episodes in total

network and production companies
HBO – Closest to the Hole Productions – Film 44 – Leverage Management

country
USA