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Watch out, Super Bowl...
In a major development that could revolutionize European soccer's global reach, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have reportedly entered into negotiations with Relevent Sports, an American-based sports agency, to secure global commercial rights for Europe’s top men's club competitions for the coming years, according to The Independent.
This collaboration could open the door to the UEFA Champions League final being held in the United States as soon as 2027, marking a monumental shift in the landscape of international sports.
Relevent Sports, which has been advocating for the expansion of European soccer into the U.S. market, is at the forefront of this push. Their vision involves bringing one of the most prestigious events in the sporting world to American soil, which is expected to dramatically increase the sport’s exposure and fan base in the U.S. — one of the world's most-attractable markets.
Though, while the idea of hosting European football matches in the United States isn't entirely new — with La Liga attempting to take FC Barcelona’s match against Atlético Madrid to the United States — it has gained traction in recent years. And more recently, it's showing signs of becoming a reality.
This potential groundbreaking move comes on the heels of FIFA’s reconsideration of its long-standing policy, which prohibits league matches from being played outside their home countries.
Last April, FIFA agreed to review the 'unnegotiable' regulation after striking a deal with Relevent to dismiss a lawsuit challenging that rule. This shift in policy would without a doubt pave the way for the Champions League final to become an annual spectacle in the U.S.
For UEFA, this represents a golden opportunity to tap into new revenue streams and enhance its global presence. By hosting the Champions League final in the U.S., UEFA would not only compete with traditional American sports like football, baseball, and basketball but also position itself as a leader in the entertainment industry, capturing the attention of a broader and perhaps, younger audience.
It's unclear whether this deal, if it's to go through, will actually bring the Champions League final to the United States after decades of solely being played in Europe. However, if one thing is certain, it's that the decision would undoubtedly be received with a tsunami amount's worth of criticism from all parties involved.
Let's not forget the Super League, UEFA.
