Baller League

(Redirected fromBaller League UK)

TheBaller League is an indoorsix-a-side football competition that originated in Germany in 2024, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck, with backing from professional footballersMats Hummels andLukas 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'sCopper Box Arena.

Baller League

Founded	2024 in Germany
Country	Germany United Kingdom
Number of clubs	12
Broadcaster(s)	Sky Sports NOW TV
Website	Baller League Germany Baller League UK

History

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The Baller League was launched in 2024 in Germany, inspired by the success of theKings 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. BritishYouTuber KSI was named president of the UK edition, while Americanlivestreamer 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 adraft 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, includingthree 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 aMLS-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: TheMVP 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

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Baller League UK

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Teams and managers

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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]


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

Notable players

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The league features a mix of former professionals and emerging talents. Notable players include:^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]

Broadcasting and hosts

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Sky Sports andNOW 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.^[9]^[10] International viewers can also watch via the Baller League'sYouTube andTwitch channels every matchday.^[10] Every match will be hosted by YouTuberChunkz and Olivia Buzaglo.^[9]

Guests

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

Venue

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The match is held at London'sCopper Box Arena.^[5]

Reception

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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.^[11]