US EditionJavier Tebas Defends La Liga’s Decision To Host Game In Miami
La Liga aims to expand its US fanbase with an annual regular-season match, expecting 2,000 to 3,000 Villarreal fans to travel for the Miami game, president Javier Tebas said.
- On December 20, 2025, LaLiga will stage Villarreal CF v FC Barcelona at the 65,326-capacity Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, marking the league's first U.S. regular-season match.
- LaLiga's North America arm pursued the move through its 2018 joint venture with Relevent Sports, chaired by Stephen M. Ross, targeting Miami, Florida's strong Latin culture and 42% North American broadcast revenue.
- After a legal settlement involving Relevent Sports cleared obstacles, the Royal Spanish Football Federation approved the match and UEFA gave reluctant sign-off, while LaLiga chartered planes for 2,000 to 3,000 Villarreal CF fans.
- Players and the AFE rejected the plan, with Frenkie de Jong saying `I don't like it. I can understand the clubs financially, they will of course profit from it, and they can spread their brand further across the world`; critics warn it could set a precedent for other leagues to play abroad.
- LaLiga plans this to be an annual project, with FC Barcelona expected to receive between 5 and 6 million, and ticket presale starting Oct. 21 and general sale on Oct. 22.
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Barcelona star hits out at prospect of playing La Liga game in USA - 'Not fair' - The Mirror
La Liga have confirmed that Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal will become the first-ever Spanish top-flight game to be played abroad - but the decision has not gone down well
Discording statements. Contraposed interests. Thus Barcelona faces the match against Villarreal that will be played, as announced by LaLiga yesterday Wednesday, in Miami on December 20. The bosses want to expand the competition and the Catalan club strengthen their brand in the United States, a country with which they want to expand their commercial and sponsorship agreements, fundamental to their recovery and financial health. But the blue cost…
The Spanish League wants to turn an international football match into an annual event after announcing that Barcelona and Villarreal will play in Miami on December 20, said Spanish championship president Javier Tebas, during an interview with The Associated Press.
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