LaLiga president Javier Tebas recently expressed his hope that the Spanish league would be able to host competitive matches in the United States as soon as the 2025-26 season. This ambitious plan is not something new, as Tebas had initially attempted to organize a league match between Barcelona and Girona at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in 2018. However, his efforts were met with resistance from various organizations, including the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FIFA.
Despite facing obstacles in the past, a recent lawsuit involving Relevent Sports Group, the company responsible for facilitating LaLiga matches in the U.S., has reignited the possibility of realizing this vision. Tebas noted that while he couldn’t provide a specific timeline, LaLiga is determined to hold official games abroad in the near future, potentially starting from the 2025-26 season. He emphasized that staging games in the U.S. would be a strategic move to solidify LaLiga’s presence in the North American market, which is the second-largest market for the league after Spain.
Tebas highlighted the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, as other competitive leagues are also exploring opportunities to expand their global footprint. He expressed concerns that failing to innovate and venture into new markets would result in LaLiga falling behind its competitors. By exploring the possibility of hosting matches in the United States, LaLiga aims to attract a broader audience and establish a stronger foothold in the North American sports market.
The recent legal developments involving Relevent, FIFA, and the U.S. courts have provided a significant boost to LaLiga’s quest to play competitive games in the United States. The Supreme Court’s decision to allow Relevent’s antitrust lawsuit against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation to proceed marks a crucial step towards achieving this goal. Relevent’s lawsuit stemmed from FIFA’s intervention in its plan to host matches involving international teams in the U.S., leading to a legal battle that has garnered widespread attention.
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
Relevent Sports Group, a key player in the organization and promotion of soccer events in the U.S., has played a pivotal role in advancing LaLiga’s agenda in North America. Through its joint venture with LaLiga, Relevent has been instrumental in managing the league’s media rights, sponsorship assets, fan engagement initiatives, and grassroots programs. The company’s track record of organizing successful preseason friendlies and tournaments in the U.S. underscores its capability to facilitate international matches involving top clubs from around the world.
LaLiga’s ambitious plans to host competitive games in the United States represent a significant milestone in the league’s global expansion strategy. Despite facing challenges in the past, the recent legal developments and renewed optimism from LaLiga’s leadership signal a promising future for international matches on American soil. By leveraging strategic partnerships and embracing innovation, LaLiga aims to enhance its brand visibility, attract new fans, and solidify its position as one of the premier football leagues in the world.
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