LaLiga will 'try again' to play league game in U.S., says Tebas - ESPN

ESPN

by Associated Press

February 26, 2026

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LaLiga president Javier Tebas has announced plans to revive efforts to stage a regular-season match in the U.S., following last year's cancellation of a high-profile game between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami. The initiative was scrapped due to opposition from clubs, players, and fans, who raised concerns about the fairness of moving a key league game overseas. Tebas remains undeterred, stating that he will seek opportunities to bring a match to the U.S. at an appropriate time. He aims to follow the model of major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, which have successfully expanded their global reach by hosting games in international cities. The proposed move reflects LaLiga's desire to emulate the marketing strategies of other global sports organizations. Tebas emphasized that a single game abroad would not significantly impact the league's integrity, as it represents only one match out of 380 in a season. He also highlighted the potential benefits of promoting the sport internationally and building fan engagement in new markets. However, challenges remain, including logistical complexities and pushback from stakeholders. Last year's cancellation was partly due to concerns raised by player unions and clubs about the fairness and scheduling implications of playing outside Europe. Tebas pointed to examples like the NFL's successful London games and the NBA's global initiatives as proof that international expansion can work. He argued that such efforts help leagues grow their fan base and revenue streams, much like how U.S. sports have done in recent decades. Tebas also criticized the hesitation of European leagues to fully embrace global strategies, suggesting that failure to adapt could lead to declining interest and empty stadiums in the long term. The renewed focus on international expansion aligns with LaLiga's broader goals of increasing its global brand visibility and revenue. By learning from the successes of other sports leagues, Tebas hopes to position LaLiga as a leader in innovation and global engagement. This strategy could also help address challenges like financial disputes

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026