Two long-time HBO producers are developing new series for the pay-cable channel.

In the first project – reported here on the Hollywood Reporter Web site – Tom Hanks is developing a half-hour comedy about college athletes called “Players.”

The series will be from Hanks’ production company, Playtone, with partner Gary Goetzman. The two have a stellar track record with HBO, having produced “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” “John Adams” and “Big Love” – earning boatloads of Emmy awards.

The other new project — also being reported on THR.com — is from producer Alan Ball, creator of “Six Feet Under” and “True Blood” for HBO. This new one is called “Wichita” and it’s a drama about an abortion doctor in Kansas.

Death, vampires and now the never-ending debate over abortion – one thing you can say about Alan Ball: He doesn’t exactly shy away from tough subjects.

There was no word on when either of these shows would be produced or aired.