A Berlin-based startup specializing in the growth of indoor soccer leagues through its unique 6v6, 30-minute match format, has secured €23 million in Series A funding.
The firm concluded a funding round led by EQT Ventures, building on the initial €7.6 million secured in summer 2024 to reach a total of more than €31 million in financing.
“The CEO of Baller League underscored the importance of fostering a connection with the very fabric of the sport – soccer’s grassroots.”
,” added.
By 2023, Baller League had successfully completed two lucrative seasons in Germany, garnering a devoted fan base with its lightning-quick and inclusive approach to the beautiful game of soccer. The league seeks to reignite its global heritage by crafting bite-sized, adrenaline-fueled gaming experiences that resonate with modern gamers and revitalize its connection to the international soccer community.
Two weeks prior, Baller League expanded its reach to the US and UK, with notable influencers KSI and IShowSpeed serving as co-guides alongside renowned footballers, presenters, and influencers, including Luis Figo, Ronaldinho, Freddie Ljungberg, John Terry, Gary Lineker, Offended Ginge, and members of the Sidemen appointed as team presidents.
In the Baller League, players are recruited from a pool of former academy athletes, free agents, and recently retired professionals or semi-professionals, with top-notch skill being the primary strategic consideration.
Competitors launched a live stream on Twitch from a repurposed aircraft hangar in Cologne, featuring prominent personalities such as footballers Christoph Kramer and Alisha Lehmann.
With over a million combined followers across various digital platforms, the league’s online presence has skyrocketed, boasting the top spot on Twitch in Germany and ranking among the world’s top five most popular channels.
The inaugural Baller League UK season is set to tip off on March 3rd, 2025. From May 1st until May 19th, the league will operate 12 teams in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs, where the top four teams will compete for the championship title.
Trials for participants are expected to take place in London and Manchester, attracting a diverse range of talent, including recently retired professionals, futsal players, free agents, and released academy players. Matches are set to be live-streamed, while popular YouTuber Chunkz is scheduled to host a weekly show.
To resonate with BallerLeague’s global fan base, the gameplay must be highly relatable, given that millions of enthusiasts worldwide developed a passion for high-energy, condensed-surface soccer through their childhood experiences playing pick-up games on the playground or streets.
EQT Ventures’ Associate, thrilled about the collaboration.
The Baller League seamlessly blends top-tier gameplay featuring talented individuals from academies and semi-pro ranks with a fan-centric approach that leverages digital channels to great effect.
“ stated . ““
As a result of the latest investment, the startup is well-positioned to globally scale its unique approach to soccer, engaging international fan bases with its dynamic, audience-participatory strategy.
