Baller League

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.^[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. British YouTuber KSI was named president of the UK edition, while American livestreamer IShowSpeed was appointed president of the US edition.^[2][3] The inaugural UK edition began on 24 March 2025 at London's Copper Box Arena.^[4]

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:^[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, 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, with two semi-finals and a final to decide a champion.^[2]

The German Baller League includes 12 teams, each managed by a notable figure from sports, entertainment, and social media. The teams and managers are as follows:^[7]

Team	Manager(s)
Beton Berlin	Kontra K
Calcio Berlin	Nico Heymer, Niklas Levinsohn and Christoph Kröger
Eintracht Spandau	Hans Sarpei and HandOfBlood [de]
FC Nitro	Nader Jindaoui
Golden XI	Florian Neuhaus and Christoph Kramer
Gönrgy Allstars	MontanaBlack [de] and Sascha Hellinger [de]
Hollywood United	Max Kruse and Jens Knossalla
Käfigtiger	Kevin-Prince Boateng and Abdi Rackzman
Las Ligas Ladies	Ana Maria Marković, Selina Cerci and Jule Brand
Protatos	Lars Holzschneider and Lukas Kutting
Streets United	Lukas Podolski and Diyar Acar
VFR Zimbos	GamerBrother and 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 Trymacs [de] (as his team, Hardstuck Royale, quit after the first Baller League Germany season; Trymacs later moved to Kings League Germany).^{[citation needed]}

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.^[9]

• Kings League – Spanish counterpart that influenced the Baller League
• de:The Icon League – German five-a-side league like the Baller League