Serie A’s Ambitious Plans for the United States
Serie A has made it clear that it is seriously considering hosting a competitive league match in the United States. This move could position Italy’s top division as a “trendsetter” in European football, surpassing the Premier League and La Liga, both of which have previously entertained similar ideas but failed to execute them.
The Italian league, which was considered the pinnacle of club football in the 1980s and 1990s, has since seen the Premier League and La Liga surpass it in terms of global influence. Now, Serie A is exploring ways to expand its market presence, and hosting a competitive game in the United States is seen as a bold step toward achieving that goal.
European Football’s American Dream
While European clubs frequently tour the United States for pre-season friendlies, a regular-season league game has yet to take place on American soil. Both the Premier League and La Liga have tried and failed to make it happen, largely due to logistical challenges and opposition from domestic fans.
A notable example is La Liga’s attempt to stage a Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid match in Miami, which was ultimately canceled. Similarly, the Premier League’s long-discussed “39th game,” which would see an extra round of matches played abroad, has faced significant backlash and has yet to be realized.
Serie A’s Perspective on Expansion
Serie A’s commercial and marketing director, Michele Ciccarese, expressed the league’s strong desire to make the overseas expansion a reality. Speaking to reporters at Serie A’s American headquarters in New York, he emphasized the importance of strategic planning and overcoming various barriers to ensure the project is executed successfully.
“We would love to do it,” Ciccarese stated. “We are working in order to potentially do it, but there are barriers that we need to overcome with the right strategy and with the support of the clubs, without forgetting that players are players.”
One of the primary concerns about staging an overseas league game is the impact on local, match-going fans. Ciccarese assured that fan sentiment would be taken into account, making it unlikely that a major derby match, such as the Milan Derby, would be moved abroad.
“It should be done in a way that makes sense for the club without forgetting the fans. You cannot play a Milan Derby in America because the fans in Italy will get very upset, as that game has significant meaning in Italy. We have to play in a way that is respectful of our audience.”
Competing to Be a Trendsetter
Serie A recognizes the importance of being the first European league to successfully stage a competitive match abroad. Ciccarese pointed out that being a “trendsetter” in the football world comes with long-term benefits, particularly in terms of revenue generation and global brand recognition.
“It’s always a race to try to be the trendsetter because then the followers come, and the trendsetter gets more benefits, potentially in terms of revenues. We need approval from the Italian federation, UEFA, then it goes up to FIFA, and then it goes back to the local community.”
The Role of American Players in Serie A’s Expansion
Serie A is in a unique position to capitalize on its growing American fan base, thanks in part to the presence of high-profile U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) players in the league. AC Milan stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, as well as Juventus players Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, have helped boost Serie A’s profile among American audiences. Gianluca Busio’s presence at Venezia further strengthens the league’s connection with the U.S. soccer market.
Lessons from Other Sports
Serie A is not the first professional sports league to consider expanding its footprint internationally. Several major sports leagues have successfully staged competitive games abroad, providing valuable lessons in execution and fan engagement.
- NFL: Since 2007, the NFL has hosted regular-season games outside the United States, with multiple games played annually since 2013. These have taken place in London, Mexico City, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and São Paulo. Future games are planned for Madrid, Dublin, and Melbourne in 2025 and 2026.
- NBA: The NBA has long embraced international audiences. It first took regular-season games to Japan in 1990 and has since held games in London, Mexico City, and Paris.
- Major League Baseball (MLB): MLB has recently expanded its international games initiative, first introduced in 1996. Since 2019, the league has hosted games in London, Mexico City, Monterrey, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the clear benefits of hosting a competitive Serie A game in the United States, significant challenges remain. Logistical concerns, fan opposition, and regulatory hurdles must all be addressed before the plan can move forward. The league must secure approvals from various governing bodies, including the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), UEFA, FIFA, and local authorities in both Italy and the U.S.
Serie A officials remain optimistic that, with careful planning and strategic execution, the dream of playing a competitive league match in the United States can become a reality. Whether this move will reshape the global football landscape or remain a distant ambition remains to be seen.
