The Baller League is an innovative six-a-side indoor football competition that originated in Germany and has now expanded to the UK. It features a blend of traditional football elements with modern twists, aiming to engage a younger audience and redefine the football experience.
Key Features of the Baller League:
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Match Structure: Each game consists of two 15-minute halves, totaling 30 minutes of play.
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Unique Rules:
- In the final three minutes of each half, goalkeepers are prohibited from using their hands.
- Goals scored from long distances count double.
- Penalty shootouts adopt a retro-style reminiscent of the 1990s MLS format.
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Season Format: The inaugural UK season commenced on March 24, 2025, at London's Copper Box Arena, with matches scheduled every Monday for 11 weeks. The top four teams will progress to the playoffs on June 11, 2025.
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Teams and Management: Twelve teams, each comprising 12 players selected through a draft, compete in the league. Notable figures such as John Terry, Gary Lineker, Luis Figo, Alan Shearer, and Ian Wright serve as team managers, bringing a wealth of experience and star power to the competition.
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Broadcasting: Fans can watch all matches live on Sky Sports and NOW TV, with updates and coverage also available on talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com.
The Baller League aims to offer a fresh and exciting football experience, blending traditional aspects of the sport with innovative rules and engaging personalities to captivate both current and future fans.