KINGS LEAGUE FRANCE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT PLAYER CONTRACTS, SALARIES, AND RULES

 KINGS LEAGUE FRANCE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT PLAYER CONTRACTS, SALARIES, AND RULES

The first edition of the Kings League France kicked off ten days ago in the northeast of Paris. Nearly 150 players are taking part in this seven-a-side football tournament, created by Gerard Piqué, featuring a mix of internet personalities and professional footballers. And yes — they're getting paid.

⚽ A Show-Focused Football Tournament

Blending football with entertainment, the Kings League stands out thanks to its special rules, fast-paced format, and celebrity-packed line-up. The French edition began on April 6 at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte (Seine-Saint-Denis), just outside Paris.

Big names from the streaming world — AmineMaTue, Squeezie, Michou — are joined by football stars like Jules Koundé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mike Maignan, and Eduardo Camavinga. After two matchdays, Unit3d, with Jérôme Rothen as sporting director, tops the table alongside F2R, coached by Samir Nasri.

💵 Player Contracts and Match Pay

The competition has unveiled a wide range of talent, with players coming from various football backgrounds — many still active in competitive clubs. All participants were selected during a draft event held in late March at the Institut du Judo in southern Paris, and all signed under the same contractual conditions.

“We have a small contract, with a few rules to follow and a bit of money per match,” said Théo Chendri, the only French player to have trained at FC Barcelona, now part of Squeezie’s team. Clément Goguey, the #1 draft pick trained at Marseille and selected by Michou’s team, added: “We receive a small match fee because it’s filmed and broadcast.”

The exact amount isn’t disclosed for France, but in Spain — where the Kings League has been a hit since 2022 — players reportedly earn around €200 per match. Some even have longer-term contracts. “Each market has its own structure and context. Conditions in France may differ from other countries,” the organization clarified.

🃏 Wild Cards and Salary Cap

On top of the drafted players, team presidents can bring in up to three “wild card” reinforcements. These players are paid directly by the teams, but a salary cap must be respected.

As for the bigger names — streamers, coaches, and football stars — their deals are handled individually, and the terms are kept confidential.

📜 Code of Conduct and Prize Money

All players must also follow an internal rulebook and code of conduct during the competition. Although no official announcement has been made, there will be prize money for the team that wins the final, scheduled for May 22 in Turin.

“There is a prize pool for this edition. The final details are being worked out and will be revealed soon,” said the Kings League organization.

💼 Organization and Monetization

The Kings League covers all operational, logistical, and structural costs of the tournament. It also retains exclusive commercial rights, including sponsorships and jersey branding, to ensure the project’s economic sustainability.

Each team receives a free license to participate, and typically operates as an independent limited liability company. Teams include a coach, a team manager, and can also hire additional staff for operations and social media.

To cover costs, team presidents are allowed to monetize their own streaming channels. They also receive:

Two advertising spots on the players’ kits for personal sponsors.

A share of merchandising revenue generated through team branding.