Football May 26, 2026

Baller League UK: CEO Felix Starck says Premier League teams will soon have teams playing in six-a-side competition

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Baller League UK: CEO Felix Starck says Premier League teams will soon have teams playing in six-a-side competition

Baller League CEO Felix Starck believes Premier League clubs will soon have teams taking part after their most viewed season.

Now into a third season, Baller League UK is a six-a-side indoor football competition that brings together some of the country's most exciting talent and is led by Premier League legends, a Women's Super League star, and some of the top influencers in the country.

Yet Starck, who has also overseen American and German versions of the competition, believes some of the professional clubs could be involved in future seasons.

"I still think that we're going to see Premier League teams in Baller League sooner than later," Starck told Your Site ahead of Monday's 'Final Four' at the O2 Arena.

"We have something that a lot of teams are missing. The future generation is consuming us. They have a lot that we are missing, which is established scouting systems, training grounds, history, culture, network.

"They certainly have more of what we are missing. But we have one big thing that they are missing and that they're all worried about, which is who's going to watch me in 15 years?

"If you have a six-a-side team for Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City or Man Utd, you could let your 17-year-olds go and play because they're physically underdeveloped.

"Why not stick them in your six-a-side team? Why not grow fans there and build a bridge for your 11-a-side team? I think now we're in a position of power that we can decide who comes in and who doesn't.

"Two years ago, everybody was like 'Felix, if you pitch me that, I'm going to pass.' Now, I think it looks a bit different."

As well as famous names from the social media world such as KSI, AngryGinge and Chunkz being front and centre of the Baller League's success, it has certainly drawn upon names from the past to help engage football fans.

Your Site' own Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge head up 'Deportrio', while Premier League icons Alan Shearer and Ian Wright also manage their own team.

Despite their involvement, the Baller League's impact has raised a fair few eyebrows among football traditionalists with its use of influencers and unique rule-set which includes regular 'gamechangers.'

However, Starck insists that it is a completely different sport that isn't comparable to the 11-a-side game.

So much so that the Baller League CEO believes the best Premier League defenders would struggle in the completely different world of small-sided games.

"People should stop comparing six-a-side to 11-a-side," Starck added.

"A person who's the best player in a small-sided game maybe couldn't compete in the Premier League. But, maybe the best defender in the Premier League couldn't compete in Baller League.

"It is two different sports and that's what people need to understand. I'm not delusional saying we can fight the Premier League. It's another sport and people should stop comparing them, because it's not comparable."

Watch the Baller League Final Four live on Your Site on Monday from 3pm.

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