Serie A is considering expanding the financial incentives of sending the Supercoppa Italiana to league games. This season’s edition of the Italian Supercup featured a four-team format for the first time with a miniature tournament in Saudi Arabia. The foreign Supercup <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/supercoppa-italiana-to-issue-25-million-in-prize-money-20240122-WST-484932.html">raised the prize money in the competition to $25 million</a> spread across the 20 Serie A teams. Now, the Italian federation wants to share that success with Serie A play.



Serie A President Lorenzo Casini spoke at the Social Football Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He discussed the feasibility of spreading Italian soccer across the globe. The league has never staged regular season games outside of Italy. Now, Casini says Serie A may take an entire 10-game slate of fixtures overseas that features all 20 teams. While the league is evaluating it, there are several major concerns it would need to address, specifically accommodating the fans in Italy.



Regardless, Casini said two locations stand out among where Serie A could send league games if it goes beyond borders.



“In the future, the United States could be a place where it would make sense to go, thinking about their investments for the 2026 World Cup,” said Casini. “Then there is India where we will not go to play cricket, but it is a new world, and we had a champion like [Alessandro] Del Piero there who tried to play in it.”



The Italian Supercup is no stranger to games overseas. The United States, China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have each hosted the Supercoppa Italiana on multiple occasions. However, sending regular season games to different countries would take away home games from teams in Serie A. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240124_WST_485210_Inter-Milan-supporters-1200x670_40fe6091.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-485288" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Inter-Milan-supporters-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Inter-Milan-supporters-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Inter-Milan-supporters-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Inter-Milan-supporters.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“The first, obviously, concerns the fans who could miss a day,” Casini said. “The place would be to be determined. Furthermore, at the moment it would not be possible without authorization from&nbsp;FIFA and&nbsp;UEFA.”



<h2>Gauging Serie A league games in other countries</h2>



Supercoppa Italiana games draw major crowds. Attendance numbers for foreign games between the league winner and the cup winner from Italy are generally strong. The 2024 Supercup Final between Napoli and Inter Milan yielded a sold-out venue of 24,900 at KSU Stadium in Riyadh. Three of the four trips to China pulled in over 66,000 viewers. The last time the game was in the United States was in 2003. At the time, 54,000 fans showed up at Giants Stadium in New Jersey to watch Juventus defeat Milan.



However, Serie A’s switch to a four-team format highlighted the potential issues of moving a mass of games abroad. Only 7,000 fans showed up to watch Napoli defeat Fiorentina. Those are two of the most prominent clubs in Italy. While they do not match the stature of Inter Milan or Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina are certainly in the top half of popularity in Italy. If those two sides cannot fill a 25,000-seat venue, there is a slim chance other Italian clubs can. For example, if a full matchday goes to India or the United States, Frosinone against Salernitana would struggle to draw audiences.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Serie A considers playing league games in United States

Serie A is considering expanding the financial incentives of sending the Supercoppa Italiana to league games.

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Spain’s LaLiga today teamed up with Dubai-based media company Galaxy Racer to extend its reach. The intended target is the Middle East and northern Africa (MENA) region as well as India. The 15-year agreement worth $2.9 billion aims to help LaLiga compete globally with the Premier League.
LaLiga saw considerable <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/03/18/boris-gartner-interview-part-1-laligas-growth-in-north-america/">development in North America</a> over the last several years. In a partnership with multinational media company Relevent, LaLiga sought promotion for both the league and sport in North America. That successful venture turned LaLiga into one of the most popular leagues in the United States. Now, it trails just the Premier League, Liga MX and MLS.
Recently, LaLiga sold its TV rights in North America for a record deal. In 2021, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/podcasts/laliga-returns-home-to-espn-world-soccer-talk-podcast/">ESPN acquired the U.S. rights to LaLiga</a> on an eight-year deal for <a href="https:\/\/awfulannouncing.com/soccer/espn-signs-eight-year-deal-with-laliga-for-an-estimated-1-4-billion-taking-over-from-bein-sports.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.4 billion</a>.
With a resurgent Barcelona and the now-14-time Champions League winners in Real Madrid, LaLiga sees an opportunity for growth. In fact, a goal of LaLiga in its bid for Africa, India and the Middle East is to grow larger than the Premier League.
<h5>Competing with the Premier League</h5>
England’s Premier League is the undisputed champion of viewership around the globe. The EPL <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10409843/Premier-League-dominates-Bundesliga-Ligue-1-La-Liga-Serie-attracting-3-2-billion-TV-viewers.html">reportedly</a> had about 3.2 billion viewers worldwide throughout the 2019-20 season. And more television viewers means more money. Broadcasting contracts generated around $165 million for the Premier League for the 19/20 season. To put this into perspective, LaLiga brought in about $77 million during the same timeframe. The Spanish league are banking on Galaxy Racer to help close that massive gap by expanding their range to MENA.
<h3>LaLiga looks to extend league’s reach into MENA and India</h3>
“The LaLiga brand is powerful, but its potential remains untapped amongst Millennials and Gen Z in the MENA region,” <a href="https:\/\/www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-and-galaxy-racer-set-to-transform-sports-media-scene-in-mena-region-and-indian-subcontinent-through-historic-joint-venture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> Galaxy Racer CEO Paul Roy.
“Our opportunity is to connect with a younger audience in a way that resonates with them.&nbsp; Galaxy Racer has a market reach that will help unlock that potential and elevate LaLiga to an aspirational brand for target audiences in the region.”
Galaxy Racer is reportedly the biggest esports, gaming and lifestyle company in the world.&nbsp; Not only are they certainly a massive organization, but they also have a huge presence in the MENA area. This was obviously an area of focus for LaLiga officials.
“With the market set to enter a new era of growth, this is the right moment to take our business in the region to the next level and attract the next generation of younger sport fans to our competition,” Oscar Mayo, LaLiga Executive Director said.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
LaLiga has signed a letter of intent with Dubai-headquartered esports and lifestyle organisation Galaxy Racer to form a 15-year joint venture designed to transform the organisation’s presence in the Mena region and Indian subcontinent. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/HEwBuEcMVA">https:\/\/t.co/HEwBuEcMVA</a>
— SportBusiness (@SportBusiness) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/SportBusiness/status/1567124763608334336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2022</a></blockquote></div>
<script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“This historic partnership is set to boost the popularity of LaLiga and football in MENA and the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp; With Galaxy Racer’s extensive experience in the region as one of the world’s largest transmedia powerhouses we believe they are the ideal partner to help us reach a fresh new audience and unlock the true potential of LaLiga in the region.”
LaLiga’s managing director for the MENA area also praised the move. “This agreement ensures not only a bright future for football in MENA and the Indian subcontinent, but also for LaLiga and our clubs,” stated league executive Maite Ventura.
<h5>LaLiga’s growth</h5>
The joint venture extends LaLiga’s reach into major soccer countries like Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey India and Qatar. Also, the two companies began working on events, merchandise, and actual tournaments in the aforementioned area.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Insidefoto

LaLiga, which has considerable growth in North America recently, now targets MENA and India to extend its reach and compete with the EPL.

LaLiga unveils plans to circumvent EPL growth in India and MENA - World Soccer Talk

LaLiga unveils plans to circumvent EPL growth in India and MENA

<a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/sports-news-february-2010/image/7912725?term=michael+chopra" target="_blank"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/sports-news-february-2010/image/7912725?term=michael+chopra" target="_blank"></a></figure></div>
In an interview with the <a href="http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/9200132.stm">BBC Michael Chopra</a> has revealed that he is actively pursuing becoming an Indian international in the near future.
With his grandparents on his father’s side born in India, Chopra is eligible for the Indian national side, but could be delayed in making his debut due to the technical issues around securing the correct paperwork.
This is a move into an entirely different international direction for the former England under 21 international who has played for England youth at every youth level from the under 15 side onwards.
With an England call up unlikely this is an understandable decision, every player wants to play international football and this could be his route into it and an opportunity to make his father’s side of the family proud.
With India a minnow in the international game ranked a mere 142nd in the world and a&nbsp;lowly 23rd in their continent, honours are likely to be hard to come by for the Cardiff international.
Having given up on playing for the England national team, this is a decision that will cause Cardiff manager Dave Jones a headache, should the paperwork be sorted in time for the Asian Cup in January.
If he does make his Indian debut he will become the superstar of Indian football and is likely to improve the side’s fortunes significantly. He will have the distinction of being only the second Indian international to have played professional football in England, the other player being Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia who had a spell at Bury Town.
An interesting decision but it seems that India have pulled off quite a coup.
<a href="http:\/\/www.twitter.com/kristiandowner">Follow Kristian on Twitter</a>

Michael Chopra Chooses India Over Bleak England Prospects - World Soccer Talk

Michael Chopra Chooses India Over Bleak England Prospects

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It’s Friday, so if you’re in the mood for I’d-rather-be-reading-than-working, here are several very revealing Premier League-related articles from around the world. Enjoy.
<ul>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/2559990/Credit-crunch-makes-Premier-League-clubs-feel-the-squeeze---Football.html" target="_blank">Credit Crunch Makes Premier League Clubs Feel The Squeeze</a>” (The Telegraph). Read how the Credit Crunch, which started in the U.S., is having a major impact on Premier League clubs this summer.</li>
<li><a href="http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/mihirbose/2008/08/blatters_beijing_bulletin.html" target="_blank">The Premier League Is Considering Playing A Couple Of Carling Cup Games In Asia</a> (BBC Sport). This idea is ridiculous. Premier League clubs already don’t care about the early rounds of the Carling Cup. How much less will they care about it when those matches are played overseas?</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2548026/Peter-Kenyon-pushing-the-wrong-game-in-basketball-obsessed-China---Olympics.html" target="_blank">Peter Kenyon Pushing The Wrong Game In Basketball-Obsessed China</a>” (The Telegraph). The amount of money that Manchester United makes in China is about the same as the club makes from match-day pie concessions.</li>
<li><a href="http:\/\/weblogs.hitwise.com/robin-goad/2008/08/football_transfers_and_fantasy.html" target="_blank">UK Internet Traffic To Football Websites And Fantasy Football Sites</a> (Hitwise). No surprise. Fantasy Premier League is number one.</li>
<li><a href="http:\/\/fangsbites.blogspot.com/2008/08/sirius-satellite-to-air-english-premier.html" target="_blank">Sirius Satellite Radio Will Be Broadcasting Premier League Matches In The States Again</a> (Fang’s Bites). The blog also features Sirius’s schedule for the first few weeks.</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.goal.com/en-india/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=814770" target="_blank">Why Is The Premiership So Popular In India?</a>” (Goal). Read why the match-day commentary is a key to the success of the league in India.</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1218357138273230.xml&amp;coll=2" target="_blank">Brad Friedel’s Premier Soccer Academies Hosts Its First Big International Tournament</a>” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer). If you build it, they will come.</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.multichannel.com/article/CA6586005.html" target="_blank">GolTV Scores Time Warner Cable Launches</a>” (Multichannel News). Take that DISH Network!</li>
<li><a href="http:\/\/www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/pickupaprogramme080808.html" target="_blank">Tottenham Launches New Look To Their Matchday Programme</a> (Tottenham Hotspur). Who says football programmes are dead?</li>
<li>Football Film Festival Coming To London (Fulham FC). I wish I was there.</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/05/itv.television?gusrc=rss&amp;feed=football" target="_blank">ITV Expands Football Website For New Season</a>” (The Guardian). The Gloryhunter sounds like a winning formula. Shame the bloody video doesn’t work for me. I get an ugly error message.</li>
<li>“<a href="http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk/advice/2008/07/30/cheapest-way-to-watch-football-this-season-115875-20676993/" target="_blank">Cheapest Way To Watch Football This Season</a>” (The Mirror). The Brits do make it complicated, don’t they, ‘eh?</li>
<li><a href="http:\/\/homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/ITVfootball68-83.html" target="_blank">ITV Regional Football Highlights From 1968-1983</a>. Exhaustive research into the history of football on ITV. For me, I grew up on HTV.</li>
</ul>

ALL POSTS TAGGED "India"

Italy

Serie A considers playing league games in United States

Leagues: LaLiga

LaLiga unveils plans to circumvent EPL growth in India and MENA

Cardiff City

Michael Chopra Chooses India Over Bleak England Prospects

General

Latest Premier League News From Around The World