How did this end up working out with you being able to use the names and logos? I assumed the logos were strictly controlled and have no idea as to names.
It's not legal, but I don't feel bad about it, and there's a reason why.
I was applying to the main entity who has the logo licensing and they require your business to be up-and-running with a legit, detailed business plan, including distributors you've already made deals with. They expect at least being a formal LLC, stuff like that.
For me, I'm just a dude who made something I think people would like to play. It sounds to me like I'm safe building up a little bit of business before all of that is even possible, which I'd love to be in a position to do, someday down the line. I'd prefer to be legal and all that, but the idea of it at the moment is absurd and, it appears, not really possible.
There's a number of other 'companies' doing the same thing, and they're just too small for anyone to care about, when it comes to legality. If I wound up making some thousands of dollars, I'd put it into being legal.
All of the above had to do with collegiate licensing. As for the player names, I have no idea. The whole Ed O'Bannon case seems to have made that a big question mark.
Basically, I'm expecting to sell dozens to hundreds of games and/or team sets, and have it run its course in months or a few years. That'd be cool. If it's anything more than that, I'd have more road to hoe, gladly.
