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What is the Baller League? UK start date and bizarre rules as Ronaldinho, John Terry and Gary Lineker sign up
The Baller League will combine the biggest legends and influencers to create the ultimate football competition - and it's set to hit the UK.
A blockbuster advert paying homage to the famous Nike Brazil ad from the 1998 World Cup revealed football icons such as John Terry and Luis Figo will act as managers of teams. The official announcement confirms that former England players and BBC presenters Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will combine to manage one of the sides in the UK league. It will be Lineker's first new role since announcing he is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires will also take the helm of their own team.
The competition is fronted by Youtubers KSI and IShowSpeed who will act as presidents of the UK league and US league respectively. The showcase has already been a success in Germany where it was set up by World Cup-winners Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski. The great Ronaldinho and Speed are the only names to be announced for the US version so far. KSI's Youtube mates, Sidemen members Miniminter and Tobi, will work together to manage a side while YouTuber and Twitch stream Angry Ginge is also in on the coaching action.
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Speaking about the concept, 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.”
Record Sport has the rundown on the inner workings of the latest event to see the sporting world and social media collide.
What is the Baller League?
Baller League will be a weekly indoor football tournament - consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams. Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches between the UK and US leagues. There will be 11 matchdays across the season, with each team facing each other once. At the end of the season the top four teams will be entered in a final four tournament to determine the season’s champions.
Each match will be live streamed, with influencer Chunkz hosting the UK show each week. As it stands, the managers for eight of the 12 UK teams have been announced and trials for their teams will be held trials in both London and Manchester. Players can be recently retired pros, futsal players, free agents or released academy players. The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique's Kings League from Spain.
When is the Baller League coming to UK?
It has been announced that Baller League is coming to the UK in March 2025. The tournament has already been a success in Germany with more broadcasting and live streaming announcements to come in due course.
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.
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.
