def start_new_game(player1, player2):
    """
    Creates and returns a new game configuration.
    """
    board = [['-']*3 for _ in range(3)]
    game = {
        'player1': player1,
        'player2': player2,
        'board': board,
        'next_turn': player1,
        'winner': None
    }
    
    return game