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Sky Sports is dropping its live coverage of next season’s Baller League, the celebrity six-a-side competition backed by influencer KSI, actor Idris Elba and former players including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.

KSI’s Prime FC won last season’s Baller League final at a sold-out O₂ Arena in an event broadcast live on Sky. But the Guardian has learned the broadcaster has opted not to renew the contract next season. While Sky was happy with audience numbers, and particularly the level of engagement on social media, sources say the partnership had come to a natural end.

Baller League was launched in Germany in 2024 with backing from World Cup winners Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski before expanding rapidly. A UK edition took place for the first time in 2025, with ex-players Jens Lehmann, Micah Richards and England Lioness Chloe Kelly all taking on management roles with one of the 12 teams. A US tournament was held for the first time this year.

The creation of Baller League continues a trend of short-form celebrity tournaments which was started by former Spain international Gerard Piqué, who in 2022 set up the seven-a-side Kings League, which now takes place in eight countries and has a broadcast deal with Dazn.

Baller League is understood to be seeking a new broadcast partner following the termination of its relationship with Sky, but will be shown on YouTube regardless.