• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Euro Soccer Finds Fertile Ground In U.S., With More Likely To Come

  • European clubs will continue to look to the U.S. for future exhibition and business opportunities.
  • “Having official matches here, it’s not a matter of if, but when,” a La Liga official told Front Office Sports.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the historic growth of Major League Soccer — only accelerating with the arrival of Lionel Messi — U.S. fans are proving yet again that there’s nothing quite like seeing the best players in the world.

A record crowd of 82,026 showed up at the home of the Dallas Cowboys — AT&T Stadium in Arlington — on Saturday for an exhibition installment of Spain’s legendary El Clásico rivalry between La Liga’s FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Far from a one-off, the match is part of global investment firm Sixth Street’s Soccer Champions Tour to capitalize on American fans’ desire to fill NFL and college football stadiums to see top European players.

An exhibition doubleheader featuring Premier League teams Newcastle-Chelsea and Brentford-Brighton drew a sold out crowd of 70,789 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night in Atlanta.

Even with MLS expansion, new stadiums, record attendance, and growing franchise values, the league still isn’t a No. 1 global destination for top players in their primes — unlike most other major North American pro leagues.

That means major European clubs will continue to look to the U.S. for future exhibition and business opportunities, a situation exacerbated by increased American ownership of said clubs.

The next phase: European regular-season matches played on American soil. 

“Having official matches here, it’s not a matter of if, but when,” Boris Gartner, CEO of La Liga North America, told Front Office Sports.

La Liga in particular has sought to bring league matches to the U.S. but has run into resistance from FIFA, Spanish regulators, and fans thus far, while legal entanglements remain. But momentum and attitudes are changing.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 24, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi: MLS Can’t Grow Without More Spending Power

The Inter Miami star recently signed a contract extension through 2028.
Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian: Angel City Ownership Setup Was a ‘Terrible Idea’

He admits that the NWSL club’s governance was a disaster.
May 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Sparks co-owner Todd Boehly watches during game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
exclusive

Mark Walter’s Lakers Buy Includes Dodgers Co-Owner Todd Boehly

Jeanie Buss will retain a roughly 15% stake and remain team governor.

Turkish Soccer Says It Has Widespread Ref Gambling Problem

The scandal involves hundreds of professional soccer referees.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Terry Rozier

NBA Union Says It Will Fight Decision to Withhold Rozier’s Pay

Rozier has one year and $26.3 million left on his contract.
Napheesa Collier
October 28, 2025

WNBA, Players Remain Far Apart With CBA Deadline Days Away 

A union lawyer says a deal will not be reached by Friday.
October 28, 2025

WNBA Proposes 30-Day Extension on CBA Negotiations

The CBA expires Oct. 31; a deal is not expected by then.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.
October 28, 2025

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic World Series Game 3 Sets Up High-Stakes Game 4

Ohtani will start Game 4 on the mound after another epic performance Monday.
Oct 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The 2025 World Series logo on the field at Dodger Stadium.
October 27, 2025

Dodger Stadium Games Could Push MLB Payouts to Record Highs

The Dodgers’ big ballpark and ticket prices help fuel postseason player pay.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre.
October 27, 2025

World Series Games Set Ratings Records on Canada’s Sportsnet

Canada continues to watch MLB broadcasts at historic levels.
Capitals
October 27, 2025

Capitals Fire Assistant Coach After Domestic Abuse Investigation

Assault and abuse cases are defining the start of the NHL season.