Felix Starck, CEO @Baller League: A New Football? From KSI & IShowSpeed to Football’s Legends

Baller League is this new product. 6 a-side, entertainment driven; quick football, short matches, free to air. It addresses many of the barriers identified in the footballing landscape. It’s revenues are approaching £20m, KSI, Figo, John Terry, ishowspeed all involved, Leagues being created in the UK and US after massively successful launch in Germany…and most impressive? It’s a year old.

Felix is shaking up the sport. He coins it the UFC of football. What does that mean? And how do you ensure this is a sustainable competition not a flash in the pan. I’m fascinated to see your thoughts. A new form of football to sit alongside the traditional game, not detract from it. As Felix says, go and check it out before passing judgement.

On today’s show:

The UFC of Football:

• Why MMA was a sport in need of dramatic change to maintain its relevance when UFC was created to package a new product and create global icons in the process.

• Sport is increasingly hero driven; you need to create your own stars and not rely on the fandom of current players. How?

• This is not an enemy of football. Where does this competition sit in the current footballing landscape?

• ‘Slow sports are dead sports in the future’. 

• Why Baller League will create a product for women’s football that is tailor made to the qualities of female players.

Baller League - Story so Far:

• How has Felix set up a challenger football league attracting some of the biggest names from sport and entertainment is a year?

• What are the rules of competition? Why is this format what the current attention economy craves?

• How do you become a player in Baller League? From academy to fustsal to professional footballers.

• Owning a franchise; who does Felix want to have as part of the ownership and what is expected if you take a franchise on?

• What are the financials of operating the league? How much does it cost to put on an event? Are the players paid?

Global Expansion:

• The league has had an amazing start to life in Germany. What has worked?

• Establishing a league in the UK and US; the launches are imminent. What goes into launching in a new country? 

• From new sponsors to the best venues, who will be involved and where will it be played?

• Which country is best set for Baller League to thrive?

• Will there be purpose built stadia as Baller establishes itself in new markets?