Baller League draft LIVE: Latest updates as Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo pick from star-studded shortlist
THE Baller League draft will take place at London's Copper Box Arena TONIGHT!
A host of football legends and social media stars are set to compete in the thrilling new indoor six-a-side competition beginning on March 24.
Tonight, the star-studded managerial line-up, featuring the likes of Gary Lineker and John Terry, will each choose 12 players from a 160+ shortlist.
Former Premier League players, futsal players, free agents and released academy stars make up the mammoth pool.
- Start time: From 6.15pm GMT
- TV channel: Sky Sports Football
- FREE live stream:
Follow our live blog below...
Vision for Baller League
Baller League CEO, Felix Starck has revealed the grand plans for Baller League.
He said: "Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.
"We're redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.
"Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We're about creating a version of the game that's impossible to ignore - thrilling, bold and packed with excitement."
Lehmann's terms
Just hours ago, Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama were confirmed as the first all-female managerial duo in the league.
The pair announced the news in a hilarious video.
It comes after Chloe Kelly was announced as the first female manager.
The Lioness legend will be joined in the dugout by Ian Wright.
Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League teamAlmost there
We expect the draft to begin at 6.15pm.
There are plenty of big names set to be in the mix
But where they end up is still a mystery for now...
When does Baller League start and what are the rules?
- The action starts on Monday, March 24 and will be aired in the UK on Sky Sports.
- It will also be live streamed on YouTube and Twitch.
- Matches are six-a-side on a small indoor pitch - each match lasts 30 minutes, with two 15 minute halves.
- There are certain rule changes with the final three minutes of matches going to 3vs3, long-range goals counting as double and goalkeepers not allowed to use hands.
- Hockey-style penalties - with players running one-on-one - will be used
- 12 teams are in the competition, with six matches weekly.
- Four teams then head to a grand final.
- Baller League starts on Monday, March 24, with the play-offs in May.
- SunSport will live blog matches every week.
Credit: Getty Baller League managers
- Luis Figo – Trebol FC
- TBJZL – VZN FC
- Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – Deportrio
- Sharky – SDS FC
- John Terry – 26ers
- Angry Ginge – Yanited
- Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FC
- Miniminter – M7 FC
- Dave - Santan FC
- Clint 419 – FC Rules the World
- Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly - Wembley Rangers AFC
- Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann - Team Name TBC
Who are the draftees?
Players invited to the draft by Baller League:
- Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco – Free agent, 8 appearances in u18 Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur
- Bryan Ly – Bury, 32 goals and 18 assists in step four last season
- Bruno Andrade – Bedford Town, 30 appearances in League One for Stevenage and Lincoln
- Charlie Wakefield – Free agent, two time UEFA Youth League champions with Chelsea u19
- James Caton – Free agent, 56 appearances for Wrexham and Dover in the National League
- Jake Chambers Shaw – Mildenhall Town, got a draft ticket at the January London trials
- Lorenzo Kevin Spinelli – Trafford FC, got a direct ticket to the draft at January London trials
Who are the draftees?
Social Media entries:
- Percy Kiangebeni (aka PK Humble) – Hashtag United
- Montel McKenzie – Billericay Town and former Love Islander
- John Jancewicz – Free agent, formerly of Dagenham & Redbridge
- Harry Cain – Free agent, formerly of Altrincham with over one million TikTok followers
- Ergys Pepaj – Hertford Town, has over 1.5 million TikTok followers
- Luis Garcia – Free agent, over 100k followers on TikTok
- Declan McCarthy – Witham Town, over 1.8 million TikTok followers
- Jordan Perrin – Sevenoaks Town, over 250 appearances across step 2-5 of the Non-League pyramid
- Rico Zulkarnain – Free agent who has won seven futsal national titles in seven different countries
- Reggie Yembra – Under The Radar FC, over 38k followers on TikTok
Who are the draftees?
Former or current professional players:
- Ciaran Clark – Free agent, over 200 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and Newcastle
- Adrian Mariappa – Wealdstone, over 150 Premier League appearances for Watford, Reading and Crystal Palace
- Cole Da Silva – Bishop’s Stortford, 20 appearances in u18 Premier League for Chelsea
- Luke Gambin – Free agent, over 150 appearances in League Two for Luton Town and Barnet
- Bilal Sayoud – Walthomstow, EFL Trophy winner with Coventry in 2016/17
- Diminic Vose – Free agent, 36 appearances in League One for Colchester and Scunthorpe
- Josh Harrop – Free agent, scored on Manchester United debut vs Crystal Palace, 83 Championship appearances for Preston.
- Michael Ndiweni – Newcastle Blue Star, one Premier League appearance for Newcastle United
- Michael Klass – Eastbourne Borough, 44 National League appearances for Aldershot Town and Bromley
Draft Day
Hello and welcome to the first ever BALLER LEAGUE draft.
Baller League is a star-studded six-a-side competition played indoors that is heading to the UK with huge names like John Terry, Gary Lineker and Luis Figo set to appear as managers.
Games will be played weekly every Monday from Mar 24, 2025 but first we need some teams. That’s where the draft comes in!
Former Premier League stars to TikTok sensations are up for the grabs.
The draft is expected to get underway at 6.15pm GMT.
