What is Baller League? UK start date, format and rules, plus line-ups for John Terry and KSI’s huge football tournament
BALLER LEAGUE football is coming to the UK very soon after a blockbuster announcement included KSI and an array of football legends.
The six-a-side spectacular has been a major success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and will now be making its way to these shores.
YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI has been unveiled as the president of the UK version, with streaming sensation iShowSpeed guiding the US.
A stunning advert – which mimics the famous Nike Brazil ad from the 1998 World Cup – revealed football legends such as John Terry and Luis Figo will act as managers of teams.
Match of the Day alumni Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will also take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.
It will be Lineker’s first new role since announcing he is leaving MOTD at the end of the season.
Sidemen stars Miniminter and Tobi, plus YouTuber AngryGinge will also be involved.
Only Ronaldinho and Speed have been announced for the US version so far.
Brit Award winner and platinum-selling superstar Dave will take charge of a team, Santan FC, while fashion icon Clint 419 will manage FC Rules the World.
Trials have been taking place in London and Manchester for the players, who can be recently retired pros, futsal players, free agents or released academy players.
Baller League CEO, Felix Starck said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.
“We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.
“Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”
What is Baller League?
Baller League is a weekly indoor football tournament – consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams.
Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four teams of the league advancing to the final play-off in May to be crowned the champion.
The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique’s Kings League from Spain and the German version of the Baller League.
Matches will be live streamed on Monday nights with Chunkz set to host on YouTube and Twitch.
When is Baller League coming to UK?
- Baller League is set to begin at the end of March 2025.
- The first night of matches – Matchday One – will take place on March 24.
- Matches then run every Monday night until May.
- However, before a ball is kicked there will be a massive draft night, where managers will assemble their squads LIVE.
- That takes place on Monday, March 10 at 6.30pm.
- The Baller League draft will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.
What are the Baller League rules?
- Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.
- Each half set to last 15 minutes.
- Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.
- These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.
- MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.
- 12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.
- League set to start in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.
Who is playing in the Baller League?
The Baller League YouTube channel has a series – ‘Becoming a Baller’ – that has chronicled which players have made it into the draft pool.
Trials took place in London and Manchester at the start of the year.
The open trials included futsal stars and former academy players, as well as pro players who are currently free agents.
Adrian Mariappa, who played in the Premier League with Reading Crystal Palace and Watford, and former Aston Villa and Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark are among the ex-pros in the draft pool.
Hashtag United’s Percy Kiangebeni (AKA PK Humble) and Love Island‘s Montel McKenzie will also be up for selection.
Football legends such as John Terry and Gary Lineker will manage teams, as will YouTube stars.
Dave and Clint 419 have also been confirmed on the sidelines.
It is not yet clear if any of the football legends or YouTubers will play in the matches.
What teams are in the Baller League?
- Trebol FC – Luis Figo
- VZN FC – TBJZL
- Deportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
- SDS FC – Sharky
- 26ers FC – John Terry
- Yanited FC – AngryGinge
- N5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie Ljungberg
- M7 FC – Miniminter
- Santan FC – Dave
- FC Rules the World – Clint 419