The Baller League, a six-a-side indoor soccer league headed by celebrities, content creators and former players, is set to launch in the United States.
The competition originated in Germany and was launched in the UK earlier this year.
Streamer and Youtuber IShowSpeed will serve as the president of Baller League USA, which will be based in Miami, Florida.
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Like the UK edition, the league will have 12 teams and be played across 12 weeks, with six matches being played on each of the first 11 gamedays before a final four tournament in week 12. Teams will feature “a mix of street ballers, free agents, ex-pros, futsal stars and academy stars”.
Seven teams have been confirmed so far, with each managed by athletes and content creators. The confirmed managers are former World Cup and Champions League-winner Ronaldinho, eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., comedian Druski and the streaming pairs of Kai Cenat and AMP, and xQc and Marlon.
The final three minutes of each half sees a new set of rules adopted, which are decided by a roulette wheel, including a three-versus-three format and goals scored from distance counting double.
A start date for Baller League USA has not yet been announced.
“What we’ve seen in the UK and Germany has been incredible — sold-out arenas, millions watching online and a new generation of fans connecting with us,” said Baller League CEO Felix Starck. “Small-sided soccer is the most-played game on the planet and Baller League brings back that authentic, raw energy of the street. That’s why people love it — it’s real — and why we know the USA will embrace it. The appetite for fast, fearless, high-energy sport is already here and we can’t wait to deliver it.”
The Baller League was launched in Germany in 2024 by Starck with the backing of former Germany internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
Baller League UK began in March this year with several current and former players taking part as managers, including Chloe Kelly, Ian Wright, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Luis Figo, Robert Pires and John Terry.
Among the ex-professionals to feature on the pitch were former Premier League players Troy Deeney, Jordan Ibe, Adrian Mariappa, Ciaran Clark and Henri Lansbury.
(Ben Whitley/PA Images via Getty Images)
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