{{Short description|Indoor six-a-side football competition}} {{EngvarB|date=March 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox football league | name = Baller League | logo = Baller League Logo.svg | founded = 2024 | teams = 12 (Germany, UK)<br>10 (US) | country = {{flag|Germany}}<br>{{flag|United Kingdom}}<br>{{flag|United States}} | tv = YouTube<br>Twitch<br>{{flag|United Kingdom}}:<br>Sky Sports<br>NOW TV<br>{{flag|United States}}:<br>CBS Sports | website = [https://ballerleague.de/en Baller League USA]<br>[https://ballerleague.uk/ Baller League UK]<br> [https://ballerleague.us/en/ Baller League US] | current_season = }}
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 March 2025 and to the United States in March 2026.
== 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.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 March 2025 |title=Baller League: Six-a-side competition founded by Podolski and Hummels goes international |url=https://www.dw.com/en/baller-league-soccer-competition-podolski-hummels/a-66578204 |publisher=Deutsche Welle}}</ref>
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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Baller League: KSI, Gary Lineker, Luis Figo & John Terry among names involved in new football league |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c3rx5ll9y3zo |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Buckingham |first1=Philip |last2=Stafford-Bloor |first2=Seb |date=26 November 2024 |title=What is Baller League, why are KSI and IShowSpeed involved and is it a game-changer? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5949002/2024/11/26/baller-league-explained-ksi-ishowspeed/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321064952/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5949002/2024/11/26/baller-league-explained-ksi-ishowspeed/ |archive-date=21 March 2025 |access-date=2024-12-31 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The inaugural UK edition began on 24 March 2025 at London's Copper Box Arena.<ref name=":5" /> In September 2025, Baller League USA was formally announced, with the first season to be held in Miami, Florida, initially slated to launch in January 2026 at a purpose-built arena in Tropical Park.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Joseph |first=Sam |date=2025-09-16 |title=Baller League USA to launch in Miami with Ronaldinho and Usain Bolt as managers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6634591/2025/09/16/baller-league-usa-miami-ronaldinho-usain-bolt/ |access-date=2025-10-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Gordon |title=“We’re not just experimenting, we’re scaling”: Inside Baller League’s Miami move |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/were-not-just-experimenting-were-scaling-inside-baller-leagues-miami-move |access-date=11 January 2026 |work=The Drum |date=11 November 2025}}</ref> The US league would later be delayed to March 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Silverman |first1=Alex |title=CBS Sports Golazo Network to stream Baller League USA matches |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/05/cbs-sports-golazo-network-to-stream-baller-league-usa-matches/ |access-date=5 February 2026 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=5 February 2026}}</ref> Baller League would put its German operations on pause in January 2026 in order to focus on the UK, USA and other potential markets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixon |first1=Ed |title=Baller League halts operations in Germany to focus on other markets |url=https://www.sportspro.com/news/finance-investment/baller-league-germany-uk-usa-felix-starck-january-2026/ |access-date=30 January 2026 |work=SportsPro |date=30 January 2026}}</ref>
== Format == 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:<ref name=":5">{{cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=What is the Baller League? Format and rules explained |url=https://talksport.com/football/3041079/baller-league-uk-format-rules-fixtures-schedule-squads-players-channel/ |publisher=Talksport}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name="Baller2025">{{cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Baller League UK fixtures, schedule, teams, managers and rules plus how to watch or stream on Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13326162/baller-league-all-you-need-to-know-on-format-teams-managers-and-how-to-watch-live-on-sky-and-now |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=Baller League UK: YouTubers get better of Premier League legends on touchline |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgkg7zx5d4yo |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* '''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. The top four teams in the league will qualify for the play-offs, known as the Final Four in Baller League UK and Germany and the Finals in Baller League USA, with two semi-finals and a final to decide a champion.<ref name=":2" />
== Baller League Germany == === Teams and managers === The German Baller League included 12 teams, each managed by a notable figure from sports, entertainment, and social media. The teams and managers from the season 3 were as follows.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-18 |date=2025-03-18 |title=Baller League 2025: Spieltage, Teams, Manager, Termine und Übertragungen im TV - alle Infos zur dritten Saison |url=https://www.ran.de/sports/fussball/ballerleague/news/baller-league2025-spieltage-teams-manager-termine-und-uebertragungen-im-tv-alle-infos-zur-dritten-saison-501048 |website=ran.de}}<!-- auto-translated from German by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;" |+ !Team !Manager(s) |- |'''Beton Berlin''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|K|{{flagicon|GER}} Kontra K}}}} |- |'''Calcio Berlin''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Heymer|{{flagicon|GER}} Nico Heymer, {{flagicon|GER}} Niklas Levinsohn and {{flagicon|GER}} Christoph Kröger}}}} |- |'''Eintracht Spandau''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Sarpei|{{flagicon|GER}} Hans Sarpei and {{flagicon|GER}} {{Ill|HandOfBlood|lt=HandOfBlood|de}}}}}} |- |'''FC Nitro''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Jindaoui|{{flagicon|GER}} Nader Jindaoui}}}} |- |'''Golden XI''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Neuhaus|{{flagicon|GER}} Florian Neuhaus and {{flagicon|GER}} Christoph Kramer}}}} |- |'''Gönrgy Allstars''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Montana|{{flagicon|GER}} {{Ill|MontanaBlack|lt=MontanaBlack|de}} and {{flagicon|GER}} {{Ill|Sascha Hellinger|lt=Sascha Hellinger|de}}}}}} |- |'''Hollywood United''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Kruse|{{flagicon|GER}} Max Kruse and {{flagicon|GER}} Jens Knossalla}}}} |- |'''Käfigtiger''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Boateng|{{flagicon|GHA}} Kevin-Prince Boateng and {{flagicon|AUT}} Abdi Rackzman}}}} |- |'''Las Ligas Ladies''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Marković|{{flagicon|CRO}} Ana Maria Marković, {{flagicon|GER}} Selina Cerci and {{flagicon|GER}} Jule Brand}}}} |- |'''Protatos''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Holzi|{{flagicon|GER}} Lars Holzschneider and {{flagicon|GER}} Lukas Kutting}}}} |- |'''Streets United''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|Podolski|{{flagicon|GER}} Lukas Podolski and {{flagicon|GER}} Diyar Acar}}}} |- |'''VFR Zimbos''' |{{nobreak|{{sort|GB|{{flagicon|GER}} GamerBrother and {{flagicon|GER}} Tisi Schubech}}}} |}
In previous seasons, the following managers were also involved: Alisha Lehmann (later co-manager of MVPs United in Baller League UK), Felix Lobrecht, Abdi Rackzman and {{Ill|Trymacs|lt=Trymacs|de}} (as his team, Hardstuck Royale, quit after the first Baller League Germany season; Trymacs later moved to Kings League Germany).{{cn|date=June 2025}} Marco Reus was to also manage a team for Season 4 prior to Baller League Germany's pause.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 September 2025 |title=Ex-Nationalspieler Reus Teammanager in der Baller League |url=https://de.nachrichten.yahoo.com/sport/ex-nationalspieler-reus-teammanager-baller-184444816.html |access-date=21 February 2026 |work=Yahoo Nachrichten |language=de |agency=DPA}}</ref>
=== Results === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%;" ! rowspan="2" width="5%" |Season ! rowspan="2" width="10%" |Final Four venue | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! colspan="3" |Final | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! rowspan="2" ! |Semi-finalists ! rowspan="2" |Ref |- ! width="14%" |Winners ! width="10%" |Score ! width="14%" |Runners-up |- style="height: 5em;" | 1 (2024) | align="left" |PSD Bank Dome, Berlin |'''Streets United''' |7–5 |'''Calcio Berlin''' |Las Ligas Ladies and Eintracht Spandau |{{cn|date=June 2025}} |- style="height: 5em;" | 2 (2024) | align="left" |PSD Bank Dome, Berlin |'''Las Ligas Ladies''' |4–3 |'''Gönrgy Allstars''' |Beton Berlin and FC Nitro |{{cn|date=June 2025}} |- style="height: 5em;" | 3 (2025) | align="left" |Hangar 7 (Berlin Tempelhof Airport), Berlin |'''Streets United''' |7–1 |'''Gönrgy Allstars''' |Calcio Berlin and Hollywood United |{{cn|date=June 2025}} |}
== Baller League UK == === Teams and managers === Baller League UK includes 12 teams, each managed by a notable figure from sports, entertainment, and social media. The teams and managers are as follows. {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;" |+ !Team !Manager(s) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Clutch FC|Clutch FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Chloe Kelly}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Community FC|Community FC}}{{efn|Community FC is the official name given by the league, however they entered the league via the Baller League Community Cup under the name "Pathetico Madrid".}}}}''' |{{nowrap|N/A{{efn|Officially listed during the club's announcement and on the Baller League UK website as "TBC".}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Deportrio|Deportrio}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Richards, Micah|{{flagicon|ENG}} Micah Richards and {{flagicon|ENG}} Daniel Sturridge}}}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Gold Devils|Gold Devils}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Goldbridge}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|N5 FC|N5 FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|GER}} Jens Lehmann}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|NDL FC|NDL FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Niko Omilana}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Prime FC|Prime FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} KSI}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Rukkas FC|Rukkas FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Idris Elba}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|SDS FC|SDS FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Sharky}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|VZN FC|VZN FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} TBJZL}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Wembley Rangers AFC|Wembley Rangers AFC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Wright, Ian|{{flagicon|ENG}} Ian Wright and {{flagicon|ENG}} Alan Shearer}}}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Yanited|Yanited}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Angryginge}} |}
=== Former teams === {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;" |+ !Team !Manager(s) !Season(s) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|26ers|26ers}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Terry, John|{{flagicon|ENG}} John Terry}}}} |1 and 2 (2025–26) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|FC Rules the World|FC Rules the World}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Clint 419}} |1 (2025) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|M7 FC|M7 FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Miniminter}} |1 and 2 (2025–26) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|MVPs United|MVPs United}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Lehmann, Alisha|{{flagicon|SUI}} Alisha Lehmann and {{flagicon|ENG}} Maya Jama}}}} |1 and 2 (2025–26) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Santan FC|Santan FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|ENG}} Dave}} |1 (2025) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Trebol FC|Trebol FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Figo, Luís|{{flagicon|POR}} Luís Figo}}}} |1 (2025) |}
=== Results === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%;" ! rowspan="2" width="5%" |Season ! rowspan="2" width="10%" |Final Four venue | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! colspan="3" |Final | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! rowspan="2" ! |Semi-finalists ! rowspan="2" |Ref |- ! width="14%" |Winners ! width="10%" |Score ! width="14%" |Runners-up |- style="height: 5em;" |1 (2025) | align="left" |The O2 Arena, London |'''SDS FC''' |4–3 | '''MVPs United''' |Deportrio and Yanited |<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=SkySports |date=13 June 2025 |title=Baller League Final Four LIVE! Scores, results, fixtures as Angry Ginge, Gary Lineker, Alisha Lehmann and more face-off |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/12040/13382749/baller-league-final-four-live-scores-results-fixtures-as-angry-ginge-gary-lineker-alisha-lehmann-and-more-face-off |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=SkySports}}</ref> |- style="height: 5em;" |2 (2025–26) | align="left" |Copper Box Arena, London |'''Wembley Rangers AFC''' |4–3 |'''SDS FC''' |M7 FC and NDL FC | |- style="height: 5em;" |3 (2026) | align="left" |The O2 Arena, London |'''Prime FC''' |5–2 |'''NDL FC''' |SDS FC and Deportrio | |}
=== Season 1 === {{main|Baller League UK – Season 1}}
== Baller League USA == Baller League USA consists of 10 teams managed by a notable figures from sports, entertainment, and social media. The first eight sets of managers were announced on September 16, 2025.<ref name=":0" /> On December 10, 2025, Westcol was announced as a manager; he had previously been in Kings League Americas as co-chairman of West Santos FC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Estrada |first=Eduardo |date=2025-12-10 |title=Westcol se suma a la Baller League USA|url=https://lasociedaddelcontenido.com/2025/12/10/westcol-se-suma-a-la-baller-league-usa/ |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=La Sociedad del Contenido |language=es}}</ref>
=== Teams and managers === {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;" |+ !Team !Manager(s) |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|876 United|876 United}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Bolt, Usain|{{flagicon|JAM}} Usain Bolt}}}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Any Means United|Any Means United}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Cenat, Kai|{{flagicon|USA}} AMP (Kai Cenat, ImDavisss, Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00 and Chrisnxtdoor)}}}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Club 360|Club 360}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|USA}} Druski}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|For The Win FC|For The Win FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|COL}} Westcol and {{flagicon|PUR}} Arcángel}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Glitch FC|Glitch FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|CAN}} xQc}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|M3 FC|M3 FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|SWE}} Marlon}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Midnight Wizards|Midnight Wizards}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|BRA}} Ronaldinho}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Showtime FC|Showtime FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{sort|Beckham, Odell|{{flagicon|USA}} Odell Beckham Jr.}}}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Speed United|Speed United}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|USA}} IShowSpeed}} |- |'''{{nowrap|{{sort|Super Niños FC|Super Niños FC}}}}''' |{{nowrap|{{flagicon|COL}} J Balvin and {{flagicon|USA}} KidSuper}} |}
=== Results === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%;" ! rowspan="2" width="5%" |Season ! rowspan="2" width="10%" |Finals venue | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! colspan="3" |Final | rowspan="22" width="1%" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top-style:hidden;border-bottom-style:hidden;" | ! rowspan="2" ! |Semi-finalists ! rowspan="2" |Ref |- ! width="14%" |Winners ! width="10%" |Score ! width="14%" |Runners-up |- style="height: 5em;" |1 (2026) | align="left" |Tropical Park, Miami |'''Super Niños FC''' |6–2 | '''Club 360''' |Speed United and Midnight Wizards |{{cn|date=June 2025}} |}
== 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baller League gains traction in the UK following its international expansion |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66782332 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 March 2025}}{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
== See also == * Kings League – Spanish counterpart that influenced the Baller League *{{Interlanguage link|The Icon League|lt=|de}} – German five-a-side league
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [https://ballerleague.de/de Official Baller League Germany website] * [https://ballerleague.uk/en Official Baller League UK website] * [https://ballerleague.us/en Official Baller League US website]
Category:2024 establishments in Germany Category:Football leagues in the United Kingdom Category:Football leagues in Germany Category:Recurring sporting events established in 2024 Category:Football competitions in London Category:Entertainment events in the United Kingdom Category:Celebrity competitions Category:Sports leagues established in 2024