OmegaBall emerged from a question Anthony Dittmann kept returning to while observing the flow of soccer: what if the game could be reimagined in a way that removed the need for the offside rule altogether? From his perspective, the challenge was not about altering the spirit of the sport, but about exploring how its structure might evolve. That line of thinking eventually led to the foundation of OmegaBall, a format built around a circular field and three teams competing simultaneously, with five players on each team, creating a circular style of play that moves continuously and typically results in 10 times more scoring than traditional soccer.
According to Dittmann, the idea began as a conceptual exercise. He explains that simply reshaping the field was not enough, as play still tended to flow north to south. The breakthrough came with the introduction of a third team, which created the circular movement he had been searching for. “Once there were three teams involved, the game naturally flowed around the field,” he says. “That circular dynamic is what finally removed the need for an offside rule.”
Dittmann’s background did not come from competitive soccer, which he believes allowed him to approach the sport without ingrained assumptions. From his perspective, years spent working in sports media and production exposed him to the process of developing and refining new formats, often for broadcast audiences. He notes that this experience shaped how OmegaBall was designed, from the pacing of play to the size of teams and the length of matches, all with watchability in mind.
Early validation came through test matches with professional and collegiate players. He explains those early games as important reference points that demonstrated the game could function at a high level while still feeling accessible to those familiar with traditional soccer. “The feedback from players was critical,” he says. “They understood the game quickly, and that told us we were onto something.”
According to Dittmann, since its debut in 2022, OmegaBall has expanded steadily. He notes that the format’s adaptability has played a role in its spread, as it essentially requires a patch of grass and basic markings to set up. “This simplicity has made it easier for the game to appear in different regions,” he says. “Today, OmegaBall is played across multiple countries, including parts of Europe, Africa, and South America.” Rather than framing this growth as rapid or disruptive, Dittmann characterizes it as organic interest driven by local organizers and players who see potential in the format after catching broadcasts on ESPN and Fox Sports networks.
Events remain a central focus for OmegaBall’s public presence. This March 2026, the organization is scheduled to host two tournaments (men’s and women’s divisions), first in Los Angeles on March 14 and 15, followed by Las Vegas on March 21 and 22. According to Dittmann, each event is structured as a two-day competition culminating in a champion, with more than a dozen teams expected in both divisions. Participation is limited to players with a competitive soccer background, including former professionals, semi-professionals, and collegiate athletes.
Beyond these tournaments, Dittmann outlines a longer-term vision that spans the full sports ecosystem. From his perspective, OmegaBall can exist at multiple levels, from recreational youth play to fully functioning professional leagues. He also points to ongoing international collaboration as a priority, noting that regional competitions have already taken place and that conversations continue around organizing a broader, multi-continent tournament where national teams could compete. “The goal is to let the game grow where there’s interest,” he says. “Internationally, that interest is already there, including traditional soccer-rich countries like Spain, Nigeria, and Argentina.”
While future media partnerships and broadcasts remain part of the conversation, there are so many opportunities within the game to further engage and develop the tentacles of media, sponsorship, and gaming. The games are short, fitting perfectly into one hour of TV. The men’s and women’s divisions are equally entertaining, and it’s truly unique with three teams participating in a compact field. This all culminates in a competition that mentally and physically challenges the athletes when they are on the field.
Dittmann frames OmegaBall’s progress as being additive to the soccer landscape and ecosystem. He says, “There are plenty of players on the fringe of playing in traditional professional leagues, and OmegaBall gives them an opportunity to still compete and also potentially change their command of the game, to think less linearly about gameplay. In the youth market, we have also been approached by kids who do not already play soccer, so if we create an avenue for kids to become more active, we consider that a win!”
