Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, alongside Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount, have become key investors in the innovative six-a-side football competition, Baller League.
The league, which was initially launched in Germany in 2023, has quickly gained international attention with the backing of some of the biggest names in football. The Premier League stars, eager to expand their influence beyond traditional football, have invested in the league through the APEX investment scheme, contributing to a remarkable £20 million funding boost ahead of its official UK launch in March 2025.
Baller League was conceived as a fresh take on football, merging the fast-paced energy of six-a-side with the entertainment value of esports and streaming. The league’s debut season in Germany, held in a repurposed airplane hanger in Cologne, exceeded expectations with impressive viewership numbers, particularly on platforms like Twitch. This success has prompted the expansion into the UK and US markets, with YouTuber and entrepreneur KSI taking on the role of president for the UK division.
Jota, who has a keen interest in esports and streaming, expressed his enthusiasm about the league’s potential. “Baller League has a lot of crossover with the world of Esports and streaming, concepts I understand well,” he said. “The Twitch numbers achieved in Germany are a strong indicator of the success Baller can have in the UK and US markets.” Similarly, Dalot emphasized the league’s unique approach, blending football with entertainment. “As a professional football player, I’m always looking for new ways to connect with the game I love. Baller League offers a fresh perspective,” he added.
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The UK iteration of Baller League is set to launch on March 3, 2025, with 12 teams competing in a series of matches held every Monday until mid-May. The matches will be live-streamed, with a weekly show hosted by KSI himself, bringing even more attention to the competition. The trials for the league will take place in London and Manchester, where recently retired professionals, futsal players, free agents, and released academy players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills.
The investment in Baller League follows a broader trend of football stars becoming more involved in business ventures, particularly in sports technology and entertainment. Other prominent athletes, such as Cody Gakpo and five-time Champions League winner Marcelo, have also made significant investments through APEX, a leading sports investment firm. APEX’s founder, Antonio Cacorino, highlighted the unique entrepreneurial spirit among athletes involved in these ventures, noting that players like Gakpo are not only focused on financial returns but are also deeply committed to advancing the sports industry.
The growing list of investors, including rugby player Maro Itoje and cyclist Mark Cavendish, underscores the increasing crossover between traditional sports and the world of entertainment. As Baller League prepares for its UK debut, the involvement of high-profile footballers is expected to elevate the competition, offering an exciting alternative to the conventional football scene while providing fans with a unique blend of sport and entertainment. With its diverse team of investors and the backing of KSI, Baller League is primed for success in the ever-expanding world of sports innovation.
