La Liga is looking to expand its brand far outside of Europe

Spain’s top football league has announced it will move the December 20 match between Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, Florida. This is the first time a major European football league has moved a competitive match abroad, and it won’t be the last. Spanish league president Javier Tebas confirmed the league is looking to make this an annual tradition.

The idea to move key matches abroad is meant to help expand the league’s fanbase, especially in the US. The hope is that this will not only increase the fanbase but also give fans more exposure to young and talented international players.

While the decision to move a match to the US is a smart business move, many fans in Spain aren’t pleased with the move. It takes a home game away from one of the clubs, while catering to fans who are far less invested in La Liga.

Villarreal fans have the most reason to be upset with the move, considering they were slated to host the match. Now, local fans and season ticket holders will miss out on one of the club’s biggest matches of the season.

La Liga Following NFL’s Lead

La Liga’s strategy to expand its brand isn’t a new one. The US’s National Football League (NFL) has been adding international games for years now. It started with one per season, but has expanded to include several. While the focus has been on the UK, games are also being played in other European countries, as well as in Mexico and Brazil.

However, La Liga seems to be taking the strategy of America’s top sports leagues one step further.

The NFL started its international experiment by sending over its worst and least-popular franchise at the time: The Jacksonville Jaguars. La Liga is taking a far different approach by sending two of its top clubs to Miami. Barcelona won the league title last season, while Villarreal finished fifth in the table. Both clubs currently sit in the top three of the league at the start of this season.

Miami is a Perfect Choice for the First International Match

There will be many fans who won’t be happy about having to head across the Atlantic to attend this crucial La Liga match. Political instability has been leading to violence across the country, while the government continues its controversial crackdown on immigration.

Miami has dealt with its own issues but remains a safe haven for much of the country’s Hispanic population. Spanish is spoken almost everywhere, offering visitors a vastly different experience compared to visiting anywhere else in the US.

The city has also become a booming football market, thanks mainly to heavy investments into building up MLS club Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi plays. This means tickets for this match will sell quickly, leading to a raucous crowd and fantastic environment.

Miami has also become the Formula 1 capital of the US, hosting several massive races. That gives them experience hosting significant international events, which is also why it will host some World Cup matches.

Florida also allows for legal sports betting, giving fans a way to wager on this La Liga match. There are retail locations around Miami, and Hard Rock Bet is available for bettors looking to place wagers online. While that is the only mobile platform available, its online sportsbook bonus offers are second to none.

Long Travel Shouldn’t Affect Fitness

There is always some concern over jet lag and the physical toll traveling across the Atlantic can take on athletes. La Liga clearly considered this when scheduling the match, as it will allow players plenty of time to adjust to the travel.

Both clubs have matches on Sunday, December 14, before they head to the US. That will give them 5-6 days for travel, adjustments, and practice ahead of the match. Once the match is over, players will head home for the holiday before returning to the pitch on January 4. That is a long layoff, giving everyone plenty of time to relax and recover from the match.

Every La Liga fan, analyst, and expert will be watching closely to see if this unique move will affect the quality of play. Whether that is in the match itself, or later in the season, any indication that the long trip impacted player fitness and team quality will put pressure on the league to drop the new international experiment.

Ensuring the players have plenty of time off is crucial, which La Liga has already done.