Social media has been abuzz with talk of a new football league over the past 24 hours. What is the Baller League? And why is there so much intrigue?
Influencers and former professional footballers have teamed up to launch British and US versions of Baller League in 2025.
The six-player format was created in Germany by businessman Felix Starck along with footballers Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, and is now heading to the UK and US.
KSI, who has 24.8 million YouTube subscribers, will be president of the UK version and streamer IShowSpeed will be named president of the US league.
Football legends Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo have been appointed team managers, while Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires have also been signed as coaches.
“Sport is no longer as easy as saying ‘look, we’re here, come and watch us,'” says Starck.
“That’s not how the sport works anymore. It has to be exciting and authentic. Those are the two words we always use in Baller League.”
Miniminter and Tobi, both part of the YouTube group Sidemen, as well as streamer AngryGinge, are ready to try their hand at management.
Former Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho and IShowSpeed are the only two people confirmed for the US version so far.
