La Liga coming to North America after new promotion deal

Article posted by Coliseum, September 3^rd, 2018

Image: 3docean.net

La Liga is coming to the United States for the first time, most likely with a game this season, following an agreement with Relevent, according to media reports.

ESPN reported that the league reached a deal with Relevant, the organizers of the International Champions Cup, on a 15-year joint venture for promotion in North America.

Although the date and location are yet to be determined, organizers expect the game to be this season and it would mark the first time La Liga has played outside of Europe, ESPN reported, adding that this would also mean that one team would have to give up a home game in Spain in a stark departure from tradition.

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“This extraordinary joint venture is the next giant leap in growing soccer’s popularity in North America,” Relevent chairman and owner Stephen Ross said. “This unique relationship will create new opportunities for millions of North American soccer fans to experience the most passionate, exciting, and highest level of soccer in the world.”

Ross also owns the Miami Dolphins and is a part owner of their home, Hard Rock Stadium, which would make the Florida city the frontrunner to host the event.

“It’s not hard to figure out where we would want it to be based on our ownership with Stephen Ross,” Relevent CEO Danny Sillman said via telephone. “That part isn’t too difficult to figure out. [The match will be held] much sooner than the public is expecting.”

Relevent executive chairman Charlie Stillitano told the Washington Post that a game has been discussed for the second half of the upcoming 2018-19 season. Stillitano also said the game would have to include at least one of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla or Valencia, with a preference for the first three.

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