Social media influencers have stamped their mark on sport in recent years and a new project has brought together some of the biggest names around.
There has been a buzz this week centred around ‘Baller League’, a six-a-side game set to come to the UK and USA in 2025. Initially founded in Germany with the help of ex-German internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, Baller League is set to launch in the UK and US next year.
Among the names involved are YouTubers KSI, Chunkz and IShowSpeed, alongside football legends including Alan Shearer, Luis Figo and John Terry. KSI – who has reshaped boxing with his Misfits brand of showbiz matchups – will be president of the UK league.
But what exactly is Baller League?
Let Chunkz talk you through it…
So, what is Baller League? pic.twitter.com/h0vPgb0pXI
— BallerLeague (@BallerLeagueUK) November 26, 2024
When does Baller League start and how does it work?
Baller League UK is set to begin on Monday 2rd March 2025. Fixtures of the 12-team league will take place every Monday. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
Trials are set to take place in London and Manchester with retired professionals, futsal players, free agents and released academy players all eligible to play.
Chunkz will host a weekly show with all matches streamed live on YouTube.
What are the rules in Baller League UK?
- Each half will last 15 minutes
- Each team will have a squad of 12 players
- Players to earn a fee of £400 per game
- Games will be played in a six-a-side format on a smaller indoor pitch
- 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
- MLS-style one v one penalties
