Why The Baller League is Everything Wrong With Modern Day Football

Why The Baller League is Everything Wrong With Modern Day Football

After an overriding success in the debut season of the Baller League which began in March this year, the six-a-side indoor tournament is back once again for season 2, with new managers and teams involved this time around.

The league, which hosts many fringe players who were academy level as well as professionals, including a mystery masked player, has continued to attract a large audience thanks to the former professionals, content creators, and influencers alike being involved as managers of the twelve competing teams.

But despite the tournament organisers upping the ante for the new season, it has sparked significant backlash from the fans and how it is affecting the professional game we all love.

Sky Sports and Baller League UK have extended their partnership into a second season of the six-a-side competition, ensuring Sky Sports and NOW remain its exclusive home on linear! 🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ogT0b6YvYj

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) October 27, 2025

Lacks Quality and Lacks Prestige

It was announced that former Premier League stars like Stephen Ireland and Oumar Niasse would be involved with the team managed by Niko Omilana this season. Whilst these names are very familiar to football fans, it's not the ex-pros who are raising the biggest talking points for the audience.

After the return of the league this week, many fans were quick to post to X (Formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfcation with the level of football on display. This sparks the debate of whether the league is actually good for the modern game and for those watching on.

This Baller League is absolute trash in terms of quality. Can see why it’s popular, great concept, but quality is rubbish.

— Chris Watkins (@cjwatkins93) October 27, 2025

The poor quality could give aspiring footballers the wrong perception of what it takes to make it to the top. There is some cause for concern that youngsters are less interested in making it as a footballer and would rather pursue other careers, having seen the crossover with content creators and ex-pro footballers.

Others fans were quick to speak out on their thoughts. "Can't see how this would appeal" with another saying, "This is why the game is in the toilet." This was a common theme throughout the opening night with those watching on quick to give their opinion.

The league is definitely aimed at the younger generation, but it's creators have been very clever with their strategies at promoting each event. This year they have added more A-Listers like Idris Elba, hoping to entice some older viewers as well.

The prize of winning doesn't offer great incentive, other than having bragging rights over other teams and managers. For all the entertainment value that the league tries to bring, it will never compare to winning a major trophy in the professional game.

Is It Really About The Football?

There is much more to the Baller League than just the football. The whole event is a show every time each game is played. Player entrances, shining lights and live music, the Baller League can feel very performative at times.

In reality not much football even gets played with a large portion of each night being aimed towards promotion and anticipation for the fans.

Some fans were outraged by the latest instalment that the league had to offer, being a coffin match, whereby the losing manager between Eman and Niko would have to lay down inside. Rumours circulated that the stunt was a setup, as Niko was made to do the same in the ongoing Celebrity Traitors series.

NIKO GOT PUT IN A COFFIN AND ROASTED BY KSI 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/O12BTPSCAk

— Baller League (@BallerLeagueUK) October 27, 2025

Another talking point was the Premier League player that was playing in a mask. The unknown star would only enter the field of play to take set-pieces for Niko's NDL FC. This had comparisons to the masked rapper performing under the name of 'Dide' who emerged in 2023.

Whilst these stunts are not about the football, they seem to create more conversation around the league, with fans quick to debate over social media about the drama that the Baller League draws up time and time again.