Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Ballers League
Baller League, an innovative 6-a-side football league blending traditional football with the vibrant energy of street culture, has raised $33 million in funding. This total includes a $25 million Series A round led by EQT Ventures, following an $8 million round closed earlier this year. The league, co-founded by football stars Lukas Podolski and Mats Hummels, combines elements of sport and entertainment, creating a dynamic platform that resonates with fans and players alike. Baller League Secures $33M Funding
What Is Baller League? Baller League Secures $33M Funding
Baller League reimagines football by embracing its roots in street soccer while introducing modern entertainment elements. The league features twelve teams, each captained by a figure from the sports, music, or entertainment industries. Among the notable participants are:
• Kevin-Prince Boateng – Former Ghanaian international and player for clubs like AC Milan and FC Barcelona.
• Christoph Kramer – 2014 FIFA World Cup winner currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
• Alisha Lehmann – Juventus player and one of the most popular female footballers globally.
• Max Kruse – Former German international known for his Bundesliga career.
Adding to the entertainment value, influencers and celebrities such as comedian Felix Lobrecht, who manages one of the teams, bring a unique flair to the league, making it appealing to a broader audience.
Football Business Journal's Conversation with Lukas Podolski
In an exclusive interview with Football Business Journal, Baller League co-founder Lukas Podolski shared insights into the league’s origins and success:
Roger Hampel: In Barcelona and across Spain, Gerard Pique's Kings League was a real hit! You and Mats Hummels are doing something similar in Germany, the Baller League.
Lukas Podolski: Mats Hummels, but also other people, are involved. We met several times in Poland to discuss the idea of a league we wanted to organize in Cologne. I liked the idea because I grew up playing street soccer on small 4x4, 5x5 pitches. The league quickly became popular, everyone in Germany is talking about it.
The Baller League is more than just fun and show; it's a return to the roots of street soccer, and I think there's a place for it in Germany. We want to give a chance to various players, not just those from big leagues, but also those without clubs or who have retired. The matches are really exciting, and although everything was new at the start, the level of play is now high.
Roger Hampel (Football Business Journal) and Lukas Podolski during the interview | Arena Zabrze 05.03.2024
Backed by EQT Ventures
The recent funding round was led by EQT Ventures, a venture capital fund known for its expertise in scaling high-growth projects such as Spotify, King, and Booking.com. Beyond financial backing, EQT Ventures offers strategic support in marketing, technology, and operations, ensuring the league has the resources to continue its expansion.
What’s Next for Baller League?
The funding will be used to enhance the league’s infrastructure, expand its reach to new audiences, and continue to deliver a high-quality football experience. With the Final Four in Düsseldorf approaching, fans can expect even more thrilling matches as teams compete for the championship.
Baller League’s combination of street football roots, celebrity involvement, and community engagement sets it apart in the football world. For more insights and exclusive interviews, visit Football Business Journal.
Lukas Podolski | Photo Credit: Ballers League
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