"BALLERS," STARRING DWAYNE JOHNSON, RETURNS FOR ITS SOPHOMORE SEASON JULY 17, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Things are getting more competitive and complicated for retired football star turned financial manager Spencer Strasmore. As the lines between professional and personal blur in his pursuit of lasting success and glory, Spencer must face demons from the past when he goes head-to-head with the biggest business manager on the scene.

Meanwhile, Spencer's closest friends and clients struggle to find their footing. A humbled Ricky explores his options as a free agent, while getting to know the father who left him behind; Charles tries to balance a new baby and his future in the game; and Vernon deals with the consequences of his life off the field.

Returning to help Spencer juggle lucrative deals and big personalities are his outrageous business partner, Joe, level-headed agent, Jason and girlfriend/sports reporter, Tracy. In a business where it's go big or go home, Spencer and his crew are about to learn that having it all means being ready to fight for more dollars, deals and respect.

Looking at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players, BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today's players in sun-soaked Miami. Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire"), the hit comedy series kicks off its ten-episode second season SUNDAY, JULY 17 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO.

Other returning cast regulars include Rob Corddry, John David Washington, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, London Brown, Arielle Kebbel, Dulé Hill and Richard Schiff. Andy Garcia joins the show as a new cast member.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode #11 (season 2, episode 1): "Face of the Franchise"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 17 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: July 17 (11:30 p.m., 1:30 a.m.), 18 (10:30 p.m.), 19 (3:55 a.m.), 20 (10:30 p.m.), 22 (2:40 a.m.) and 23 (11:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: July 18 (2:00 a.m.), 21 (midnight) and 22 (5:45 p.m.)

Convinced to appear on a talk show, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) ends up facing off with an old adversary, which puts his company and reputation in jeopardy. A reformed Ricky (John David Washington) gets bad news in advance of his 30th birthday party. Charles (Omar Benson Miller) relishes his new status as a fan favorite, but may face changes on the field.

Written by Evan Reilly; directed by Julian Farino.

Episode #12 (season 2, episode 2): "Enter the Temple"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 24 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: July 24 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 25 (8:00 p.m.), 26 (4:15 a.m.), 27 (10:30 p.m.), 29 (3:30 a.m.) and 30 (10:15 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: July 25 (3:15 a.m.), 28 (midnight) and 29 (5:20 p.m.)

Spencer makes a play to poach a big client from Andre (Andy Garcia), his business rival, while struggling to find a quick fix for his physical ailments. Ricky considers where to head to next. Reggie (London Brown) fights for what he believes Vernon (Donovan Carter) owes him. Feeling underpaid and undervalued, Tracy (Arielle Kebble) takes a stand with her boss. Charles gets insights from his coach.

Written by Evan Reilly; directed by Julian Farino.

Episode #13 (season 2, episode 3): "Elidee"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 31 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: July 31 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.) and Aug. 1 (10:00 p.m.), 2 (2:50 a.m.), 3 (10:30 p.m.), 5 (2:40 a.m.) and 6 (11:40 p.m.)

Spencer advises a reluctant Vernon to stay quiet when the truth behind his injury threatens his career. Trying to stave off Andre's attacks on their business, Spencer and Joe (Rob Corddry) butt heads over how best to advise a client. Charles worries whether he's up for a challenge. A hard-to-impress Ricky takes a trip to tour a potential new home.

Written by Steve Sharlet; directed by Julian Farino.

BALLERS was created by Stephen Levinson; executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, Denis Biggs.