Baller League, a six-a-side format of football, is set to launch in the UK and US in 2025. Founded by entrepreneur Felix Starck alongside former German internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, the competition aims to create an exciting and authentic experience for fans.
Quotes from Felix Starck
- “Sport is no longer as easy as just saying ‘look, we’re here now, come and watch us,'”
- “It needs to be exciting, and it needs to be authentic. Those are the two words that we always use at Baller League.”
What is Baller League?
Baller League is a six-a-side format of football that was set up in Germany by entrepreneur Felix Starck alongside former German internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
History
The competition began in 2023, with two seasons already completed in Germany. The inaugural season took place in a disused plane hanger in Cologne, with games streamed live on online platform Twitch. Former Germany international Christoph Kramer and Juventus forward Alisha Lehmann were among those who offered their services to the league.
UK Version
Baller League is set to launch in the UK and US in 2025. The UK version will begin on March 3, 2025, and will take place every Monday until May 19 on indoor football pitches with 12 teams competing.
Baller League is a six-a-side format of football that was set up in Germany by entrepreneur Felix Starck alongside footballers Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
History of Baller League
The competition began in a disused plane hanger in Cologne and games were streamed live on online platform Twitch. Two seasons have already been completed in Germany, with big names offering their services to participate in the league.
Key Features of Baller League UK
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Format: Six-a-side format.
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UK Launch Date: 3 March 2025.
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Frequency: Every Monday until 19 May.
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Number of Teams: 12 teams competing.
Notable Participants and Coaches
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KSI: President of the UK version with 24.8 million YouTube subscribers.
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IShowSpeed: President of the American league, a streamer.
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Gary Lineker, John Terry, and Luis Figo: Team managers for Baller League UK.
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Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann, and Robert Pires: Coaches for Baller League UK.
Key Figures
KSI has been appointed as president of the UK version of Baller League, while IShowSpeed has been named as president of the American league. Football legends Gary Lineker, John Terry, and Luis Figo have been lined up as team managers, alongside coaches Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann, and Robert Pires.
Objectives
The founders of Baller League aim to create an exciting and authentic experience for fans. As stated by Felix Starck, “Sport is no longer as easy as just saying ‘look, we’re here now, come and watch us.’ That’s just not how sport works any more. It needs to be exciting, and it needs to be authentic.”
Key Dates
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March 3, 2025: Baller League UK begins
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May 19, 2025: End of the inaugural season of Baller League UK
