April 4 – Kings League Germany has officially launched with a preview event in Cologne, unveiling its latest team – esports powerhouse G2 – and announcing a slate of high-profile commercial partnerships ahead of the competition’s inaugural kick-off on April 12.
Hosted at the adidas Store Cologne, the launch was led by Kings League founder Gerard Piqué and Germany division president Bastian Schweinsteiger. The event gave fans a first look at the personalities and brands involved in the German edition of the fast-growing global 7-a-side competition, which blends football with streaming, digital content and creator-led entertainment.
The biggest announcement of the day was the introduction of G2 Football Club, which becomes the seventh team to join Kings League Germany. Founded in 2015, G2 is one of the world’s leading esports and entertainment brands and now takes its first step into traditional sports with its Kings League entry.
The Berlin-based team will be fronted by German content creators Reeze and Rumathra, who will serve as team presidents and co-stream G2’s matches live on Twitch.
Kings League Germany is the latest expansion of the original Kings League 7-a-side format, which launched in Spain in 2022 and has since expanded to the Americas, Brazil, France and Italy. Each team is fronted by a digital influencer or football personality and competes in short-form, modified football matches designed to appeal to younger, digitally native audiences.
The league also used the event to unveil several major partnerships. Sportswear giant adidas was announced as the official sportswear supplier of Kings League Germany and will provide custom kits and gear for all eight teams. The league’s official match ball, named ‘La Caprichosa’, was also revealed during the event.
German media platform RTL+ has been confirmed as the league’s official broadcaster and will provide free live coverage of all matchdays via its streaming service. The entire competition will be hosted at the Cupra Arena in Cologne, named after the league’s official automotive partner Cupra.
Technology brand Vodafone joins as Kings League Germany’s technology partner, with its 5G innovations – including a referee cam – set to enhance the viewing experience. Vodafone’s logo will also feature on all teams’ jerseys throughout the competition.
League president Bastian Schweinsteiger praised the early momentum: “It’s an absolutely fantastic start. You can feel the anticipation from everyone involved; the air is buzzing with creativity and enthusiasm. I can’t wait for the matches to begin on April 12.”
Gerard Piqué added: “We are excited for this new chapter in Germany. We have an amazing roster of team presidents that will make it a great competition, and a great battle for the two qualifying slots for the Kings World Cup Clubs in France.”
The Kings League Germany season will run across eight matchdays, with eight teams competing for two qualification spots in the Kings World Cup Clubs 2025 in Paris.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745633036labto1745633036ofdlr1745633036owedi1745633036sni@g1745633036niwe.1745633036yrrah1745633036