September 18 – The world‘s fastest man has joined the Ballers League hype, with Usain Bolt joining as a manager ahead of the launch of Ballers League USA in Miami early next year.
The 39-year-old Jamaican will be joined by former FC Barcelona and Brazil winner Ronaldinho in the competition’s star-studded managerial lineup – as announced in a short video trailer earlier this week.
The Ballers League brand rose to fame in part due to its original concept but also thanks to large-scale celebrity endorsement. Essentially a six-a-side indoor soccer tournament, the competition originated in Germany in 2024 and expanded to the UK this year.
The model is particularly popular with young people due to its close ties with YouTube stars such as the Sidemen – a combination which could see it explode stateside with streamer IShowSpeed serving as the president of Baller League USA.
Identical in format to 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.
Ballers League say that the teams will feature “a mix of street ballers, free agents, ex-pros, futsal stars and academy stars.”
“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.”
Baller League UK kicked off in March with a line-up of high-profile managers drawn from the men’s and women’s game. Among those involved were England forward Chloe Kelly, ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Luis Figo, Robert Pires and John Terry.
Across the Atlantic, the first seven teams for Baller League USA have now been unveiled, each led by household names from sport or entertainment. The list includes World Cup and Champions League winner Ronaldinho, eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., comedian Druski, plus streaming personalities Kai Cenat and AMP, alongside xQc and Marlon.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1758195950labto1758195950ofdlr1758195950owedi1758195950sni@g1758195950niwe.1758195950yrrah1758195950
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