Baller League

Six-a-side football league From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Baller League

The Baller League is an indoor six-a-side football competition that originated in Germany in 2024, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck, with backing from professional footballers Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski. The league combines professional football elements with entertainment, incorporating celebrities, influencers, and ex-professional footballers as managers and players. Following the success of the German edition, the league expanded to the United Kingdom in 2025. The inaugural UK edition began on 24 March 2025 at London's Copper Box Arena.

Quick Facts Founded, Country ...
Baller League
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Founded2024 in Germany
Country Germany
 United Kingdom
Number of clubs12
TV partnersSky Sports
NOW TV
WebsiteBaller League Germany
Baller League UK
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History

The Baller League was launched in 2024 in Germany, inspired by the success of the Kings League in Spain. It was conceptualized to merge traditional football with elements of entertainment to appeal to a younger demographic.[1]

Following the German edition's success, major expansions were announced in November 2024, with new editions set to launch in the United Kingdom and the United States in 2025. British YouTuber KSI was named president of the UK edition, while American livestreamer IShowSpeed was appointed president of the US edition.[2][3]

Format

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The league follows a six-a-side format with 12 teams, each consisting of a 12-player squad selected through a draft system. Matches last 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves. The league also incorporates several unique rules:[4][2][5][6]

  • Gamechanger: Each team has the opportunity to introduce a "Gamechanger" card before kickoff, allowing the implementation of special in-game modifications.
  • Rule twists: Rule twists will be introduced during the final three minutes of each half, including three v three, long-range goals counting as double and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.
  • Wildcards: Managers also get two wildcards per game week, which means they can bring anyone to feature in their team for that match.
  • Corners: There are no corners - instead, if the ball goes off an opposing player and behind the goal three times, a penalty is given.
  • Penalty: If a penalty is awarded, a player will do a MLS-style one v one penalties against the goalkeeper with only six seconds on the clock to try and score.
  • White flag: Managers can throw in a white flag to challenge a refereeing decision.
  • MVPS: The MVP of each night wins a legend for their team’s next game.

The top four teams in the league will qualify for the play-offs, with two semi-finals and a final to decide a champion.[2]

Baller League Germany

Baller League UK

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Teams and managers

The UK Baller League includes 12 teams, each managed by a notable figure from sports, entertainment, and social media. The teams and managers for the inaugural UK season are as follows:[5]

More information Team, Manager(s) ...
Team Manager(s)
26ers England John Terry
Deportrio England Alan Shearer, England Gary Lineker, and England Micah Richards
FC Rules the World England Clint 419
M7 FC England Miniminter
MVPs United Switzerland Alisha Lehmann and England Maya Jama
N5 FC Germany Jens Lehmann, France Robert Pirès, and Sweden Freddie Ljungberg
Santan FC England Dave
SDS FC England Sharky
Trebol FC Portugal Luís Figo
VZN FC England TBJZL
Wembley Rangers AFC England Ian Wright and England Chloe Kelly
Yanited England Angryginge
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Notable players

The league features a mix of former professionals and emerging talents. Notable players include:[5][6]

Broadcasting and hosts

Sky Sports and NOW TV have secured a one-year broadcast partnership for the UK edition, ensuring live coverage of all matches, with every games shown on Sky Sports Mix.[7][8] International viewers can also watch via the Baller League's YouTube and Twitch channels every matchday.[8] Every match will be hosted by YouTuber Chunkz and Olivia Buzaglo.[7]

Guests

In matchday two, on 31 March 2025, Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso, appeared as a pitchside co-commentator.[6]

Venue

The match is held at London's Copper Box Arena.[5]

Reception

The league has been praised for its innovative approach to football and for engaging younger audiences through its combination of entertainment and sport. Its introduction to the UK market has further expanded its global reach and popularity.[9]

See also

References

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