US to host La Liga matches after reaching agreement to promote football

The United States is set to host several games of the Spanish football league's regular season following an agreement reached on Thursday between La Liga and the US multinational media, sports and entertainment group Relevent that aims to boost the game's popularity in America and Canada.

La Liga is the first European league to hold a regular-season match outside Europe, reports Efe.

"We are devoted to growing the passion for football around the world. This ground-breaking agreement is certain to give a major impulse to the popularity of the beautiful game in the US and Canada," said La Liga's president, Javier Tebas, in a statement.

"Relevent has filled stadiums across the US with the International Champions Cup, we are thrilled to partner with them on a joint mission to grow football in North America," he added.

The development of La Liga North America organization aimed at spreading the "unequalled assets of La Liga" across the US and Canada.

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

Ross also mentioned that this exclusive pact would "create new opportunities for millions of North American soccer fans to experience the most passionate, exciting, and highest level of soccer in the world."

The deal contemplates a period of 15 years and La Liga North America's ownership will be split 50-50 between Relevent and La Liga.

--IANS

kk/bg