The idea of playing Premier League matches in American arenas has flared up again. The television company NBC is working to make it a reality.
Less than 20 minutes ago
That’s what NBC top Jon Miller says in an interview with The Athletic.
– We have had talks with the Premier League. They have been very open and receptive to listening to me.
Miller is the senior director of rights acquisitions at NBC Sports. The American TV giant has broadcast English top-flight football since 2013 and will continue to do so for at least another four years.
– Sometime in the future I would love to see the Premier League start the season here with a few games. This is something we will continue to push to achieve. Here there is an American audience that would like to see important matches, says Miller.
The failure in 2008
As recently as last week, Premier League director Richard Masters said “the door is open” to moving league games overseas, but stressed there are currently no plans to do so.
In 2008, the league worked to introduce an extra league round with matches that could be played around the world, but the idea was dropped due to strong opposition from supporters and the British media.
La Liga has also for a number of years talked about playing individual matches outside Spain.
Just a matter of time?
It is only a matter of time before top European football leagues occupy stadiums in the United States, says Casey Wasserman. He is the head of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and runs his own sports and entertainment agency.
– It is the world’s biggest sport, and this (USA) is the biggest sports market in the world. Look what Lionel Messi playing there has done for MLS. It’s incredible, says Wasserman, according to the Daily Mail.
– It would be great if we got an important match between Manchester United and Chelsea in New York or Real Madrid – Barcelona in Miami. It will shock me if it doesn’t happen, adds Wasserman.
Published: May 2, 2024 6:33 am