The Baller League. Now I know some of you are probably already thinking what are you doing Christian even writing an article on this, but bare with me as I think you will be surprised!

So lets start, where has it come from?

It began with Gerard Pique’s Kings League in Spain, which exploded with popularity in its early life, leading to others looking to further the movement.

Then came Baller League in Germany, which has built a strong and passionate following as it contests its third season. With its rapid growth, the league has expanded to the UK, where social media celebrities and former professionals have signed on to play, coach, or promote the new competition. – http://www.sportingnews.com

So this format and idea has not been plucked from thin air, there has been success implementing this to not 1 but 2 different markets so there clearly is a market for this short-form, fast paced live football.

So before I breakdown what I personally like and what I’d like to maybe tweak for the future, let’s have a look at a breakdown of the rules.

Baller League – the basics

• 12 teams, 6 vs 6 players
• 12-man squads and rolling subs
• 30-minute matches
• No corners! 
• 11 matchdays in season
• Final four play-off

So there you go, in its most simplistic form. Now Baller League does have some quirks added into the mix, the main one being that for the last 3 minutes of each half there is a random ‘Gamechanger’ event which changes the rules completely for those last few minutes, now some of these include: 3 vs 3 format, long-range goals scored from behind the offside line counting as double and FairPlay (whereby any tackle deemed a foul leads to a straight red card). These game-changers all but guarantee both teams are always in with a shout regardless of the score line as they can literally flip the game on its head. Which is why the teams really need to know and understand what each of them are as to not get caught out!

Who’s involved?

Now there are a mix of household football names and celebrities who are taking the reins as managers, alongside some online content creator based celebrities.

Let’s have a look at each of the 12 teams and the management behind them:

Now for those of you who aren’t great with faces or simply don’t know who some of these managers are, here is the list:

Team	Manager(s)
26ers	John Terry
Deportrio	Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Gary Lineker
FC Rules the World	Clint 419
M7 FC	Miniminter
MVPs United	Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama
N5 FC	Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg
Santan FC	Dave
SDS FC	Sharky
Trebol FC	Luis Figo
VZN FC	Tobi Brown
Wembley Rangers	Ian Wright, Chloe Kelly
Yanited	AngryGinge

As you can see there are some rather big names involved (even if Figo hasn’t been seen since the draft took place…)

So, now you have the basic understanding of where it has come from, the rules and who is involved, i think its time for me to break down what I have liked so far from watching the first 4 game weeks and what I would like to see change in the future. Lets get stuck in!

What I like

1. Fast Paced – The games are extremely fast paced and the whole setup is very much tailored towards attacking football, the fact that there are no corners and that instead for every 3 would be corners leading to an old school USA penalty kick/run means it benefits you to keep the ball moving forward (away from your goal). Rolling subs also helps keep the game fresh as players aren’t tiring come the end of the game, the pace is set and maintained throughout.
   
2. Brandon Smith on Commentary – Now I personally have heard Brandon commentate on other events in the past and have always found him to be very good at articulating the game and also transferring the energy in a really effortless way. Also, as we have touched on the host of different rules and sheer amount of players and management involved is quite overwhelming but it never feels like that, a calm and steady hand from week one. Very impressed.
   
3. Monday night football fix – Sure there is Premier League on Monday Night Football but I have long found the Premier League to be fairly dull and boring to watch so something new and different is always a nice change.
   
4. Non-league players getting a chance to shine – Now this is actually my number 1 in terms of what I see as a positive for this whole league. I think it is giving players to show that ‘Non-League Footballers’ can actually play. There has been some serious talent on show and if used correctly could be a massive opportunity for some of those playing to make a name for themselves and secure a brighter future for themselves.

What I would change

1. Keep commentary professional – There have been a few games where others have joined Brandon and it has turned into just screaming and no real value added to the football on show. If anything it actually detracts, this was most evident when KSI joined the commentary booth, it might be my age but it was a very tough listen!
   
2. Manager No Shows – I think as good as some of the names involved in the league are, I would personally prefer Managers to be present every week and not dip in and out as I think this doesn’t help build the credibility. You want to think that the managers are committed to the team/league.
   
3. Kick off/ End times – Starting at 5pm and ending at 11pm on a Monday night, does this stop people from coming and attending? This is more of a question really and I don’t have a answer or even a fix for it. It may well be that Baller League is genuinely suited more to the online/At home audience and with the stadium they are playing in only having 7,500 capacity that might make more sense. It is however a very long format and I would be interested to know how many tune in at 5 are still watching at 11.
   
4. Light show after goal scored – Prevents crowd/audience from seeing goal celebrations and I don’t actually think it adds anything to the proceedings. Simple get rid.

Managerial Changes

Now I do have some transfer suggestions for the future and that surrounds some of the current managers leaving and who I think would be good fits for Baller League and also would be good in terms of attracting more people to watch it.

Match Highlights

Want to get a little flavour of the matches – check out some of the highlights from Gameday 2/3 + if you watch the 26er’s vs Yanited you will see what I mean about the commentary…. KSI overwhelms the commentary and in my opinion detracts form the whole thing.

Now as you can see from the highlights the pace and physicality is extremely high. The games as the weeks have gone on have also got more and more spikey and there seems to be some rivalry forming amongst certain teams which has made games at times have a derby game of old feel to them.

Now before I dive into my summary of what I think of everything, lets see what a few others have made of the new format so far:

Opinion Corner

Aaron Waugh

Q) What do you make of Baller League?

I think it’s a good idea a good gimmick allowing non league players and former players gather and still enjoy the game in a new twist.

Q) Why do you watch it?

A nice change from the traditional game reminds me alot of playing football with friends as a kid and also reminds me of FIFA street

Q) What do you make of the standard on show?

I think the standard of the game is in it’s infancy it’s a good set up and the entertainment and presentation is great I do think it’s aimed more at kids with the colorful nature but it’s still entertaining

Q) Do you find the rules easy to grasp/understand?

It was confusing to start with but the rules are easy to understand once you get the hang of it

Q) There is a mix of Non-League/Youtube and former professional players in all of the teams, do you think this is a good mix?

I think its a good mix from a business standpoint I’m not a fan of the social media influencers aspect but I get the attraction. I’d like to see more non league players and former players as well as maybe former managers.

Q) Anything you would like to see changed in the future?

I’d maybe suggest going to a full size stadium, perhaps use half of a regular size pitch in the middle of the pitch and seating around the remaining pitch if that makes sense

Q) Would you consider buying a ticket to go and see the games in person?

Yes I’d definitely consider it, it’s something I’m considering for my sons birthday

Niki

Q) What first attracted you to watch baller league?

Definitely the first thing that attracted me was seeing ex pro’s getting in on this project. Seeing Micah Richards for example really getting invested in his matches and Ian Wright being there every game week really helps the brand.

Q) How have you found it so far?

I’ve found it very entertaining so far. Obviously its still new with not everybody knowing all the rules and people kind of going with the flow with the rules and the format but I think it has great potential for a big audience if they keep doing it in the next few seasons.

Q) What do you especially like about the format?

I think the best thing about the format are definitely the game changers. A team could be losing by a 3 goals difference and in the last 3 minutes they could turn it around easily with fun new ways of playing 6-a-side football.

Q) Would you consider attending a night of games in person?

I’m not based in the UK, but if I had the opportunity I’d loved to go a game week. I think the tickets are affordable to watch young ballers making a name for themselves with a chance to see ex/current professionals and big UK influencers.

Q) Non-league footballers make up most of the squads, do you think this is a good opportunity for them to prove themselves to 11-aside clubs?

Yes. I think non-league teams should definitely send professional scouts to these games. I was very impressed with a few players (Stefan Ilic, Francis Mampolo, Toby Bull…). Also I think the reason many young footballers even entered the league was to boost their chance of playing in the highest level they can. We could see some ballers rip up the National League next season.

Q) What would you say to those who have written it off before giving it a chance?

People almost write everything off where they see influencers getting involved but I think they attract the biggest audience and they are really invested. I think everybody needs to give it a chance and watch at least one night of games and decide if they like the format.

David Garton

Q) Simply – what have you made of Baller League when you have tuned in?

When I have tuned it I have found it quite enjoyable to watch. The arena is full which creates a good atmosphere and the players and coaches are taking it very seriously everyone wants to win. It does have a very modern feel to it.

Q) How much of each night have you watched and do you think the format is too long?

My house has sports on about 6 days a week as a minimum so trying to squeeze this in has been hard but when I have had it on i do find myself getting hooked and not wanting to switch it off. The format may be a little long but I do think they are trying to get a new audience I’m old school so may take longer to get me fully hooked.

Q) If able, would you consider attending a gameday in person?

If they moved it around the country and it was more local to me then I would consider going to a gameday in person

Q) What do you like and dislike about the format?

I do think the match half’s are a bit long I’d prefer to see the games split into x3 10 minute sections. But the game changers now that’s a fun idea I was watching a game the other night and making it 3 on 3 made it end to end which was a good way to promote attacking football.

Q) What do you make of those who have mocked it?

I don’t understand why people would mock it. It is good to have a different format of indoor football the closest that I can compare it to is the old masters league but this new format is getting new fans involved. It is using YouTubers and social influencers which people seen to know more about than traditional famous faces.

Q) Do you think there is longevity in the format?

At the moment it is a bit of a novelty I think if they move it around the country maybe have local leagues to compete for a place in it then that would help. I do think if played over the summer months when there is no football that will help get people interested.

Owen Jephcote

Q) What have you made of Baller League so far?

Baller League has been a refreshing addition to the football landscape. It offers a dynamic, high-tempo format that bridges sport and entertainment in a way that appeals to a wide audience.

Q) What’s the one thing you really like?

The energy and intensity of the matches really stand out. The shorter format encourages fast, attacking play, and the players seem to thrive in that environment. It keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish, which is a real strength.

Q) What’s the one thing you’d like to change?

There’s always room to refine the viewing experience. Improving certain aspects of the broadcast — such as commentary consistency or enhancing visual clarity during key moments — would help elevate the overall professionalism of the product. For example during the draft night the producers kept having to ask the mangers to name their selections numerous times or to come closer to the microphone before they did something. There was also a moment where one of the producers was asked a question and before giving her response you here her say “oh I’m over here but I can’t see a camera on me”

Q) What do you make of the overall standard and quality on show?

The quality has been impressive. Many of the players demonstrate excellent technical ability and tactical awareness, and the competitive edge is evident. It’s not just a show — there’s genuine footballing talent on display.

Q) Do you think the rules are easy to follow?

Yes, the rules are relatively straightforward. While they differ from traditional 11-a-side football, they’ve been designed with clarity and entertainment in mind. Once you’ve watched a match or two, everything makes sense — and the flow of the game helps reinforce that.

Q) What would you say to someone who hasn’t watched it but classes it as rubbish and a waste of time?

I’d encourage them to keep an open mind and watch a match before forming an opinion. Baller League is offering something new — a different lens through which to enjoy football. For many, it’s proven to be an exciting, fast-paced alternative that’s well worth their time.

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Summary

Well – It is not going to be for everyone, but lets face it there is not much around nowadays that is universally liked or enjoyed.

What I would say is for people to genuinely sit down next Monday and just give it a go, it is genuinely a good fun watch and if nothing else offers something a little bit different to the Premier League snooze-fest on the other channel.

You wont love everything that it has to offer but I would say overall there is definitely a space for it, it’s an easy watch with tons of different players on show and the fact it is giving Non-League footballers a platform to hopefully secure themselves either a club or a bigger move is a win in my eyes. It is also the closest thing we have been served since the Masters League folded, yes its different and I would actually quite like to see more of the ex-pros playing in Baller League (maybe minimum 1 a team) it is still entertaining.

One idea I really like is the moving of the venue – maybe it could do 2 weeks in London then move to Manchester for 2 weeks, then Leeds, Newcastle and so on…that way people from the local area would be able to attend. It would require logistics to make it work for both the teams, managers and players and for that reason it probably wouldn’t work but ill leave that to the experts.

If you have watched it and are enjoying it, well lovely stuff. If you haven’t – try it next week, why not? Chuck it on with no expectations and just see what you think, what’s the alternative you watching Tottenham throw away another 2-0 lead?

Until next time guys!

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