Baller League is in the midst of its second season as it blends the world of football, futsal and celebrity into a product aimed at young audiences
Tyler Blackett (left) celebrates with his Manchester United teammates after Wayne Rooney scores against Arsenal
Tyler Blackett (left) celebrates with his Manchester United teammates after Wayne Rooney scores against Arsenal
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Former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has admitted he rejected joining Baller League over fears about how it would impact his credibility as a professional footballer. Baller League launched in the UK in 2024 and entered its second season at the end of October.
The concept sees football blended with futsal and celebrities to attract younger audiences to the game. Teams compete in six-a-side matches in two 15-minute halves however the final three minutes of each half sees the rules change in what is known as the 'gamechanger'. This could result in offsides being eliminated, all fouls being awarded red cards or one-v-one being introduced.
Celebrities, influencers and former players such as Maya Jama, Angry Ginge and Alan Shearer have all managed teams in the format. The clubs' squad lists include a mix of futsal, current and former professional footballers. Ex-United players Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Josh Harrop have played in the league.
Speaking to MEN Sport, Blackett, who is currently a free agent having left Rotherham in 2024, has insisted he has left the door open to joining Baller League but was fearful about how it would reflect on his chances of getting a professional deal. He explained: "They asked me [to join] last season when they started it.
"The owner got in touch with me through Instagram and we had a phone call and spoke about it and I didn’t know that it was going to takeover as it did but in my eyes, if I was going to go over and play in Baller League, is it going to look like I don’t want to play professionally anymore. I was just like, maybe in the future I will play but right now? No.
"I just want to stay fit and wait for something professionally and see how that goes. But I have watched it and it is obviously entertaining and there is more attention and eyes going onto it and it is a good thing for football in general I guess."
Speaking during the first season of Baller League, Harrop, who came through the United academy and has been a free agent since leaving Cheltenham in 2024, explained how the competition gave him a purpose. "For me, it was to give me a purpose back in life," he told Sky Sports.
"That is what you lose as a free agent. You lose a bit of yourself when you're not playing football.
"I've played football since I was six years old and for seven months I've not been able to so having the opportunity to go and play wherever that might be, like Baller League, it gives me that purpose back in life. It gives me something to wake up for, train for and turn up on a Monday night [for]."
Baller League is broadcast live on Sky Sports and on YouTube Monday nights.