Serie A Aims to Host Games in US, Rivaling LaLiga
The move is part of Serie A's efforts to increase its global presence and close the gap with other major European leagues, with the US market being a key target. With its rich soccer history and growing fan base, the US presents a significant opportunity for Serie A to expand its reach and build its brand.
Serie A, Italy's top soccer league, is considering hosting games in the United States, with president Ezio Simonelli stating that the league aims to be the first major European league to play a game in the US, potentially within the next three years.
The possibility of hosting games abroad has increased after a New York-based company, Relevent, won a court case against the US Soccer Federation, allowing leagues to host games in foreign territories. Serie A has nine teams owned by American investors, and Simonelli believes the US market is crucial for the league. The Italian Football Federation, UEFA, and FIFA would need to approve any proposal for games to take place in the US.
Serie A is hoping to beat its Spanish rival, LaLiga, to hosting a competitive game in the US, but is aware of the potential backlash from fans in Italy. The league has tested the waters by staging its Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia, and FIFA has dropped its opposition to competitive games being held abroad, paving the way for the door to be opened.
Michele Ciccarese, the league's commercial and marketing director, stated that they would "love to do it" and potentially see the league playing in the US within one to two years. However, taking games to the US may not be worth the trouble, with the Premier League's massive television income making it difficult for other leagues to compete.
Serie A is planning to stage its first overseas fixture in the US within one to two years, according to Ciccarese, who acknowledged that the Premier League has a head start in the US market. The league is looking to integrate into the US market through grassroots clinics, a more aggressive marketing strategy, and leveraging the 2026 Club World Cup and 2026 men's World Cup, which will be held in the US.
