La Liga To Play Games In United States And Canada In 'Ground-Breaking' 15-Year Deal

La Liga is heading to America.

The Spanish top flight and Relevent (a multinational media, sports and entertainment group) have struck a deal, and will partner to promote soccer in the U.S and Canada as part of a 'ground-breaking' 15-year deal.

Dates, location and teams have yet to be confirmed.

As per the official statement released by La Liga: "La Liga plans to bring a regular season club match to the United States, the first to be played outside of Europe."

Stephen Ross, chairman and owner of Relevent said: "This extraordinary joint venture is the next giant leap in growing soccer's popularity in North America.

"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."

"We're devoted to growing the passion for soccer around the world.

"This ground-breaking agreement is certain to give a major impulse to the popularity of the beautiful game in the U.S. and Canada. Relevent has filled stadiums across the U.S. with the International Champions Cup, we're thrilled to partner with them on a joint mission to grow soccer in North America."

Messi in action for Barcelona. Image: PA

Griezmann celebrates scoring a goal. Image: PA

Relevent CEO Danny Sillman who negotiated the deal directly with La Liga said: "This partnership demonstrates La Liga's vision and foresight to be the top soccer league in the world.

"Combining La Liga's long tradition of excellence and unparalleled international reputation with Relevent's expertise in this market will accelerate the growth and popularity of soccer in North America and La Liga's global brand.

"Joining with Relevent to create La Liga North America is a major milestone in our international expansion strategy," said La Liga International Development Director Oscar Mayo who led the deal on behalf of La Liga.

"This agreement ensures not only a bright future for soccer in North America, but also for La Liga and our clubs."

'El Clasico' in the States? Watch this space.

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Real Madrid, La Liga

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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