As American sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB continue expanding their global footprint, UEFA appears poised to follow a similar path.
Reports suggest the Champions League final could soon take place in the United States.
According to The Independent, an official announcement is expected on Tuesday, confirming that Relevent Sports has entered an exclusive negotiation period with UEFA and the European Club Association.
This potential shift has sparked controversy, particularly due to the impact it could have on TEAM Marketing, UEFA’s longtime commercial partner. TEAM Marketing has worked alongside UEFA for over three decades and is credited with the creation of the iconic Champions League ball design and theme song.
If the transition goes through, up to 170 jobs at TEAM Marketing could be at risk. Reports indicate that many staff members at the company reacted with “anger about the process.”
UEFA’s consideration of a US-based Champions League final comes at a time when many major sports organisations are expanding internationally.
the ball. the stage. the final. 🔥
introducing the UEFA Champions League Final Pro Match Ball. 🏆✨#TheStarOfTheGame pic.twitter.com/W1p7stoUtv
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) February 10, 2025
The NFL, after successful ventures in the UK, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico, recently announced further plans to host games in Ireland, Australia, and Spain.
Similarly, MLB has hosted games in London, Monterrey, and Mexico City, along with a preseason series in Seoul. Tokyo is set to host the series in 2025.
The NBA also continues its global outreach with games in Mexico City and London, with Paris recently joining as a host city.
Despite this trend, European football leagues have generally been hesitant to move beyond their home markets.
Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes recently stated in an interview with Front Office Sports: “We don’t feel the need to come play in the US during the season proper, and you’ll understand the challenges that would present in the UK as well.”
While the Premier League has no plans to host competitive matches abroad, it does intend to bring back the Summer Series in 2025. The tournament, which debuted in the US in 2023, saw six teams play nine matches and attracted over 260,000 spectators.
