- O2 signs on as headline sponsor for the UK launch, offering exclusive match tickets, VIP access, and must-have merch for O2 and Virgin Media customers via the Priority app.
- Football icons, YouTube superstars, and high energy competition – Baller League UK, powered by O2, is set to bring a brand-new twist to the game.
- Baller League UK, powered by O2, kicks off with Draft Night on Monday 10 March, airing live on YouTube and Twitch.
O2 today announces its new partnership which will see the mobile network provider become headline sponsor of the highly anticipated Baller League UK, powered by O2, for its season debut in the UK.
Baller League UK is defining a new era of football, blending elite competition with high energy engagement. With fast paced matches, star-studded managers, and an exciting approach, the league is designed for the modern football fan – on and off the pitch. Following its huge success in Germany, where on average three million fans* tuned in every match, Baller League UK is set to make a major impact when it kicks off later this month at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Football icons like Luis Figo and John Terry are set to take on a fresh challenge and will be going head-to-head with a team led by Micah Richards, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer. Joining them in the dugout are Sidemen members Miniminter and Tobi, content creator AngryGinge, designer Clint 419, and BRIT award-winning artist Dave. The league will be overseen by newly announced Baller League UK President, KSI, with YouTube royalty Chunkz bringing his signature energy to the hosting duties.
The sponsorship comes as data reveals that over 55 million people in the UK watched professional football matches in 2024**, highlighting the huge popularity of the sport as well as the opportunity for a fresh and unique take on fan engagement. The introduction of Baller League UK, powered by O2 will provide fans with a brand-new way to consume football, combining the core fundamentals of the game with a fresh take on how audiences are now tuning in and engaging with sport.
Through the partnership, Virgin Media and O2 customers can get closer to the action than anyone else, with exclusive access and rewards via Priority – including tickets, the chance to win VIP experiences on match days and much more.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Sport is in O2’s DNA, and not only does Baller League UK, powered by O2 highlight our commitment and ambition to support British sport, it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of the next frontier in football.
“Through one-of-a-kind Priority rewards and unmissable opportunities for football fans across the country, we’ll bring our customers closer to the action and help fans enjoy the moments that really matter as they cheer their team on.”
Felix Starck, Baller League CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome O2 as our headline partner for the UK launch of Baller League. A brand that truly understands the cultural power of sport and entertainment, O2 shares our vision for delivering a bold, dynamic football experience that will authentically connect and excite fans.”
This exciting sponsorship adds to O2’s existing partnerships across British sport including England Rugby’s men and women’s teams and boxer, Shannon Ryan, enabling the nation to enjoy the UK’s most loved sporting moments through the power of O2 and Priority.
Baller League UK, powered by O2, makes history with its first ever UK football Draft Night on Monday 10 March, where managers will go head-to-head in selecting their squads live. Expect big decisions, surprise picks and live reactions as the teams take shape for the very first time in front of a global audience. Fans can watch the drama unfold live on YouTube and Twitch from 6:15pm. For more information, head to the Baller League UK website.
* Three million spectators per matchday source: Baller League UK
**2024 Sports Attendance Review – UK Edition – Two Circles (GB)
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