Champions League final could be heading to US

The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, is already experiencing significant changes. The competition now features a new 36-team format, and this week’s playoff matches will determine which clubs advance to the round of 16. The final draw, set to take place in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, February 21, will confirm the matchups for the knockout stage.

Following an eight-match league phase, clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Milan are battling for a place in the last 16, while others – Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Atlético Madrid – have already secured their spots and are awaiting their opponents.

US pushes for Champions League presence

According to The Independent, both UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have begun exclusive negotiations with Relevent Sports, one of the two largest soccer promoters in the United States, as reported by The New York Times. The discussions focus on securing the global commercial rights for UEFA’s men’s club competitions starting in 2027.

“The UC3 Council, the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association, has agreed to enter an exclusive negotiation period with Relevent Sports regarding the global commercial rights for UEFA’s men’s club competitions for the 2027-2033 cycle,” the statement reads. The full announcement, The Independent reports, is expected to be released next Tuesday.

If the deal goes through, the United States could host a UEFA Champions League final sometime between the 2027 and 2033 seasons. Such a move would mark a groundbreaking moment for the tournament and further solidify the US as a premier destination for major international sporting events, adding to its already impressive lineup—including the Super Bowl, Copa América, FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with Mexico and Canada.

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