Will the Champions League ever be played in the USA? 🇺🇸

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in investment firms, private investors and consortiums from the United States investing in European football clubs.

The USA's interest in competitions such as the English Premier League (EPL), LaLiga, and the Champions League (UCL) has never been greater.

Over half of the clubs in the English Premier League are now owned by American owners.

We ask the question, will the UCL ever be played in the United States of America?

The potential for the Champions League to be played in the United States of America has sparked considerable speculation and debate within the football community.

While traditionally held in European cities, the idea of expanding the tournament's reach to the U.S. presents intriguing new revenue streams.

FIFA have just announced that they are to change their rules regarding clubs' ability to play domestic league games and potentially even European games abroad.

So let us first look at the implications of the FIFA ruling, and what the impact is on the UEFA Champions League playing games in America.

Why are FIFA considering changing the rule barring clubs from playing abroad?

FIFA's attorney mentioned in court that a rule change allowing domestic league matches to be played abroad could occur "before the end of the year."

This potential shift has implications for the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation by Revelent Sports, a New York-based sports promoter.

What prompted this potential rule change?

The lawsuit between Revelent Sports and FIFA raised questions about the legality of prohibiting domestic league matches from being played on foreign soil. If FIFA were to alter this rule, it could render the premise of the antitrust battle moot, potentially reshaping the business dynamics of club soccer in the U.S.

The declaration of FIFA's intent to change the rule prompted discussions in court regarding the purpose and continuation of the legal proceedings. Attorneys expressed confusion about the necessity of further litigation if FIFA indeed plans to revise the rule.

Despite FIFA being dropped as a co-defendant in the lawsuit through a settlement agreement with Revelent Sports, questions remain regarding damages owed and the future course of legal action. Revelent Sports believes it is owed damages by USSF due to matches that could have been played during the legal dispute.

Does this ruling now mean that the Champions League be played in the United States?

The short answer is yes and no. Yes, because the rule change would allow UEFA to follow suit to allow clubs to play European games abroad. But no, because UEFA may yet oppose the rule change.

The allure of the American market has long interested clubs. One of the key driving forces of the European Super League was its ability to play games in the United States.

The now disgraced breakaway league was backed by American bank JP Morgan, who promised a €300 million signing fee for clubs in a total package worth €3.25 billion.

UEFA have also come under pressure from the biggest clubs in Europe to reform the Champions League, with the Swiss-based organisation introducing a whole new format for the Champions League to ensure that more 'meaningful games' are played in the competition.

Staging the Champions League in the U.S. could significantly boost viewership and commercial opportunities.

Holding matches in the U.S. also aligns with UEFA's ambition to broaden the tournament's reach beyond Europe, tapping into new audiences and markets.

And with the U.S. set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, they will be able to boast about their ability to hold major tournaments in their state-of-the-art stadiums, as well as their logistical capabilities that meet the requirements for hosting prestigious events, such as the Champions League.

What would the challenges be playing Champions League games in the U.S.?

• Travel logistics: Transatlantic travel for teams and fans presents logistical challenges, including scheduling, jet lag, and fatigue, potentially affecting player performance.
• Time zone differences: Matches played in the U.S. would necessitate adjustments for European viewers, potentially impacting TV ratings and viewership.
• Tradition and heritage: The Champions League holds deep roots in European football culture, and moving it to the U.S. could face resistance from traditionalists who value its historic significance. Some purists may view the move as commercialisation at the expense of footballing integrity, sparking debates over the tournament's priorities and values.
• Poor atmospheres, empty stadiums, and fans leaving early: The one obvious criticism that infuriates fans is the atmosphere abroad. European football atmospheres cannot and have not yet been replicated in the United States. Most American fans do not necessarily have an emotional connection to a European club, therefore they may also be more prone to leaving a game early or not contributing to the atmosphere.

What would the benefits be for playing some Champions League games in America?

• Increased revenue streams: The U.S. market offers lucrative sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales, potentially boosting UEFA's revenue and investment in football development.
• Expanding clubs' fanbase: Hosting matches in the U.S. could attract new fans and elevate the tournament's prestige on the international stage, cementing its status as the pinnacle of club football.
• Raise the standards of soccer in the U.S.: Showcasing the Champions League in the United States could increase the number of young players taking up football. The U.S. has long been heralded by scouts as an untapped opportunity for finding and developing talent.

How would fans react to the Champions League being played in the U.S.?

Given that the European Super League caused such an outcry from fans in the form of coordinated and emotional protests, clubs won't be able to just announce their intentions to play league or Champions League games abroad without fan engagement on the issue.

Most fans can empathise with fans who live abroad in the United States and would love the opportunity to watch their team play in a meaningful and competitive fixture such as the Champions League in their hometown.

However, this will come at the cost of 'taking away' a fixture from match-going fans and season-ticket holders who contribute a vast amount of a club's revenue. Not to mention the atmosphere.

While the prospect of the Champions League being played in the United States raises intriguing possibilities for expansion and commercial growth, it also presents significant logistical and cultural challenges.

Ultimately, any decision to relocate matches would require careful consideration of the tournament's heritage, fan experience, and long-term sustainability. As football continues to evolve as a global phenomenon, the debate over the tournament's future venues underscores the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the modern game.

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