HBO’s new football series “Ballers” will use NFL uniforms and logos without the league’s consent, according to a Pro Football Talk report.
The show starts with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s character having flashbacks to his time with the Dolphins and the team’s clothing matches the team’s current version, PFT says.
“HBO is always mindful of other intellectual property owners, but in this context there is no legal requirement to obtain their consent,” a spokesperson for the cable giant told the website.
The news is noteworthy because the NFL pressured ESPN into canceling their football show “Playmakers” in 2003 for the way the sport was portrayed, and HBO is partners with the league for their yearly training camp documentary series “Hard Knocks.” The series premiere, which is June 21, does include some sensitive subjects.
The NFL did not comment when reached by PFT.