
<p>Former National Football League superstar J.J. Watt says that soccer is on the way up in the United States. </p>



<p>The pass rusher and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year did, however, also say that the sport may never reach the heights of American football Stateside.</p>



<p>Speaking on <em>Men in Blazers</em>, Watt claimed that Americans are looking for one massive moment to help propel <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pep-guardiola-attempts-to-revolutionize-soccer-again-20230305-WST-421746.html">soccer</a> forward. “People have been saying forever that soccer is the sport of the future, soccer’s on its way,” <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11873957/J-J-Watt-says-soccer-likely-NEVER-overtake-NFL-Americas-No-1-sport.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Watt. “I think the problem is everybody keeps looking for one explosion of interest where it’s ‘oh my gosh, now this is America’s sport.&apos;”</p>



<h5>Soccer growth will be slow but steady says Watt </h5>



<p>Instead, Watt insisted that the next World Cup could help grow the sport over a lengthy period. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will host the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/new-world-cup-2026-format-features-record-number-of-games-20230314-WST-423263.html">2026 World Cup</a> tournament. </p>



<p>Matches will be played <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2026-world-cup-cities-reveal-live-thread-20220616-CMS-390036.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">throughout 11 cities</a> here Stateside. Watt also referenced the last time the U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999.</p>



<p>“I don’t believe that that’s ever going to come but I do believe the last time we had [the world cup in the US] – Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain – they led a revolution, and that took years and years and years,” continued the NFL star.</p>



<p>“But they led that, and it took time and it’s built. I think we’re gonna have another one of those here. I don’t think it’s gonna be this thing where all of a sudden, soccer takes over the NFL.”</p>



<h5>Former defensive end could be new Burnley co-owner</h5>



<p>Now retired, Watt could be set to become an owner of a soccer club. The 33-year-old former football star was <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11846707/NFL-legend-JJ-Watt-taking-meetings-Burnley-ahead-possible-minority-investment-club.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> in Burnley last week amid talks of a minority investment opportunity. </p>



<p>He previously proclaimed that he was also interested in partially owning a team. Watt’s wife is also played professional soccer for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</p>


Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt has claimed that soccer will grow thanks to the 2026 World Cup, but won't overtake the NFL in the USA

Soccer is growing but won't overtake NFL, says J.J. Watt - World Soccer Talk

Soccer is growing but won't overtake NFL, says J.J. Watt


<p>Thanksgiving weekend has sports fans covered, regardless of the leagues, competitions or teams they follow. It all starts on Turkey Day, and runs through Sunday night. From sunrise to sunset, and a little bit on either side of then, major sports are on your TV.</p>



<p>The biggest of those competitions is the World Cup. On Thursday, the first batch of group stage fixtures wrap up. Cristiano Ronaldo and <strong>Portugal</strong> are in action against <strong>Ghana</strong> (11AM ET). This is a familiar tie dating back to 2014. Then, the World Cup favorites, <strong>Brazil</strong>, take on one of the underdog teams at the World Cup, <strong>Serbia</strong> (2PM ET).</p>



<h2>Must-see sports games other than soccer this holiday weekend</h2>



<p>However, Thursday also has American football, a classic tradition for Thanksgiving Day. The <strong>Dallas Cowboys</strong> and Detroit Lions always play on the holiday. Yet, the Cowboys take on one of their biggest rivals, the <strong>New York Giants</strong>, in a Thanksgiving treat (4:30PM ET). Both teams have a winning record, a frankly rare sight for both franchises at the same time over recent years.</p>



<p>However, that is merely the beginning of the Thanksgiving treats on tap in the sports world this weekend. While you are sitting back enjoying your leftovers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday bring more awesome events to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/11-7-million-watch-usa-wales-across-fox-and-telemundo-20221123-WST-409568.html">millions watching around the country</a>.</p>



<p>Also, the best way to watch all of the previous and following events is through fuboTV. The streaming service <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fuboTV</a> has access to FOX and FS1 for your World Cup coverage. Moreover, it has CBS and NBC for any American football, both college and NFL.</p>


<table class="table5">
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<td width="30%"><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866&amp;subId1=fubotvsoccerschedule" target="blank" rel="noopener"><div><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20221124_WST_409769_FuboTV.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" alt="Fubo"></figure></div></a></td>
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<h4 style="color: white;">No. 1 streaming service</h4>
<p style="color: white;">Includes: Premier League + 84 Sports Channels</p>
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<td><a class="button" href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866&amp;subId1=fubotvsoccerschedule" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></td>
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<h2>Sports offerings on Thanksgiving weekend</h2>



<p>Friday has the big one, at least according to FOX’s coverage of the World Cup. The <strong>United States</strong>, which <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-states-wales-draw-1-1-some-tough-lessons-learned-20221121-WST-409245.html">drew against Wales</a> in the first game of its World Cup campaign, takes on <strong>England</strong> (2PM ET). The Three Lions, among the favorites to win the entire tournament, breezed past Iran with a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/england-cautiously-optimistic-after-win-over-iran-in-world-cup-20221121-WST-409310.html">6-2 win on Monday</a>. </p>



<p>With another win, England can secure another berth into the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup. However, the United States is determined to get <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/world-cup-day-2-newspaper-roundup-20221122-WST-409428.html">back on the right track</a> with an opponent that is something of a rival to the Stars and Stripes. Coverage for the England-USA contest is on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Friday at 2 p.m.</a> on FOX.</p>



<p>FOX also has the coverage for one of the biggest games of the college football season on Saturday. Rivalry weekend always comes the weekend after Thanksgiving, providing some of the best sports moments. The Iron Bowl, the Civil War in Oregon and other rivalries are one thing. <strong>Michigan</strong> and <strong>Ohio State</strong>, colloquially called ‘The Game,’ have their most important battle in years. The No. 3 and No. 2 teams, respectively, play for virtually a spot in the College Football Playoff. </p>



<p>Finally, looking to the finale this weekend, the NFL slate of games rings out a beautifully busy weekend of sports. Of course, throughout this four-day stretch, there are World Cup games. And, if anything, the unpredictable nature of the tournament thus far proves that fans need to watch each game as anything can happen. </p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


This Thanksgiving weekend, Americans have almost too many sports to keep track of. The World Cup, NFL, college football and a huge USA game.

Give thanks for World Cup, NFL and college football all weekend

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<p>Despite its relatively low global interest, the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Football League</a> reigns supreme when it comes to total revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NFL generates about $10 billion in domestic broadcast revenue each year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>This number alone is impressive, but keeping in mind that the American league consists of just over 270 games per season, it’s even more monumental.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2>More TV revenue from far fewer games</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> also generates fairly similar revenue as the NFL; however England’s top flight consists of nearly 400 matches per year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Top teams in European competitions obviously play even more games as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>FIFA and UEFA are even expanding their schedules in the coming years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Champions League will grow from 32 teams to 36, which adds 64 new games to the already packed fixture list.</p>



<p>The World Cup will also expand as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning with the 2026 World Cup, hosted in part by the United States, the tournament will consist of 48 teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an increase of 16 teams compared to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar next month.</p>



<p>Earlier this week, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez lambasted the sport’s governing bodies’ decisions to add more games to the schedule.</p>



<p>“We cannot understand that UEFA increases the number of inconsequential games in a new model that will only serve to further alienate fans and accelerate the decline of football,” proclaimed Perez.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Perez even referenced the NFL’s popularity compared to their relatively light schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Only the NFL, with 285 games per season, exceeds the audiovisual revenue of the Champions, Europa League, and five major European leagues together with more than 2,000 games per year,” continued Perez.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There are no excuses, the data does not admit discussion, soccer is clearly losing the battle of entertainment.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>While soccer fans may be getting bored of the heavy schedule (low interest in Nations League games for example), FIFA and UEFA clearly don’t care.&nbsp;&nbsp;These organizations are attempting to compete with the NFL by just creating more games.</p>



<p>Players are also getting burned out as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Injuries are on the rise throughout the sport.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/29/premier-league-clubs-hit-hardest-by-injuries/">recent report</a>&nbsp;has even suggested that injuries in the Premier League are up 20% compared to the previous season.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


Find out how the NFL TV revenue dwarfs that of the English Premier League despite the NFL having fewer games per season.

NFL TV revenue dwarfs Premier League - World Soccer Talk

NFL TV revenue dwarfs Premier League

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/podcasts/hey-nfl-leave-soccer-alone-world-soccer-talk-podcast/">National Football League</a>, NFL, and Deutsche Fußball Liga, or the DFL, announced a partnership agreement on Thursday.&nbsp; The DFL is essentially responsible for operating the German <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a> and second-tiered <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2-bundesliga-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">2. Bundesliga</a>.</p>
<p>A partnership between the two leagues focuses on business ideas in the German and US markets. This includes an increase in communication in key departments such as broadcasting, digital innovation, programming, and marketing. Both NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/24/new-ceo-aims-to-make-bundesliga-worlds-most-digital-league/">DFL CEO Donata Hopfen</a> signed off on the deal.</p>
<p>“Our first regular season game in Germany this fall also presents an opportunity to work with an learn from some of the most successful sports leagues around the world,” Goodell said in an official statement.&nbsp; “The Bundesliga has long been regarded as the leading league in Germany and one of the finest throughout Europe. We look forward to collaborating with the DFL in a process that we believe will be mutually beneficial.”</p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> and the German Football League (<a href="https://twitter.com/DFL_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFL_Official</a>) will begin collaborating on production, broadcast and programming, digital innovation and marketing to bolster promotion in the U.S. and German markets. </p>
<p>Learn more about the partnership: <a href="https://t.co/8MujUcSXRs">https://t.co/8MujUcSXRs</a> <a href="https://t.co/o6qyVNrEwK">pic.twitter.com/o6qyVNrEwK</a></p>
<p>— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLFootballOps/status/1570457453581709313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h3>NFL and DFL sign new partnership</h3>
<p>Hopfen shared his colleague’s excitement.&nbsp; “The DFL has always worked openly and cooperatively with leagues and organizations around the world to promote the development of sport worldwide,” claimed Hopfen. “We look forward to working closely with our colleagues from the NFL on a variety of issues and gaining new insights, particularly with regard to sports in the U.S.”</p>
<p>The German soccer league previously expanded to include an office in New York City just four years ago.&nbsp; A move to the States was an attempt to help grow the Bundesliga market, both in North and South America. While earlier endeavors to cultivate the German top flight here in the US. were <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2019/11/07/bundesligas-attempts-grow-league-united-states-suffer-split-personality/">slow</a>, this new partnership, along with ESPN’s massive <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/manuelveth/2019/09/30/espn-and-bundesliga-sign-six-year-us-television-deal/?sh=6d4c8b7543da">TV deal</a>, could help further the league’s growth.</p>
<p>As part of the agreement, the NFL will play one game per season in Germany over the next four years. Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, will host the 2022 matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The game will take place on Sunday, Nov. 13. Munich and Frankfurt will alternate as hosts for the remainder of the partnership.</p>


America's National Football League, or NFL, signed a partnership with the German DFL for an increase in communication over several years.

NFL and German DFL agree to new partnership - World Soccer Talk

NFL and German DFL agree to new partnership

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>FOX’s latest exit of top talent could signal the possible sale of FOX Sports, according to an industry insider.</p>
<p>Recently, longtime American football commentating duo <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/sports/football/joe-buck-troy-aikman-monday-night-football.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Joe Buck and Troy Aikman departed FOX Sports</a>. The pair worked together and for FOX Sports for over 20 years. The popular tandem made the switch to ESPN. Buck and Aikman now call <em>Monday Night Football</em> for the upcoming 2022 NFL season.</p>
<p>Commentators and on-air talent switch networks fairly often. However, the details behind Buck and Aikman’s change are very interesting.</p>
<h5>Unexpected departure</h5>
<p>According to reports, FOX Sports allowed Buck to leave the network a year prior to his end of contract to join Aikman at ESPN. <em>Sports Business Journal</em>’s John Ourand reported that FOX Sports permitted this move in exchange to televise the Purdue vs. Penn State college football game on September 1. Previously, ESPN held the rights to air the Thursday night game on its network.</p>
<p>Ourand <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/espn-joe-buck-trade-fox-big-ten/p63djxpiphtl4wov9riutdsq">explained the transaction</a> on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marchand-and-ourand-sports-media-podcast/id1587364692">Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast</a>.</p>
<p>“Because it’s a new window in a new game, (FOX is) going to be able to sell an added ad sales revenue target that’s in the millions. They’re going to make millions off of this.”</p>
<p>This stems from what each channel and provider wanted from the deal. FOX Sports prioritized the game. Meanwhile, ESPN targeted the commentary talent.</p>
<p>“I don’t want to say [the] deal is a win-win because they’re almost never win-win, but this is a game ESPN didn’t prioritize,” claimed Ourand.</p>
<p>“This is a game FOX really did want, and each network has 27 (Big Ten) games this year coming up. (Now) ESPN is going to have 26 Big Ten games. FOX is going to have 28 Big Ten games. And that is what they came up with in order for Joe Buck to leave his contract early and move to ESPN.”</p>
<p>FOX Sports makes millions of dollars on the acquisition of one college football game. Moreover, allowing Buck and Aikman to leave the network reportedly saves the company around $160 million.</p>
<h3>A possible sale of FOX Sports</h3>
<p>Speculation in the sports media following these decisions is that FOX could be set to make their sports section for sale. <a href="https://frontofficesports.com/aikman-buck-exodus-fuels-speculation-fox-could-sell-sports-arm/">Eric Jackson</a>, EMJ Capital hedge fund’s founder and president, claimed that the departure of Buck and Aikman shows FOX’s desire to cut costs.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The fact that FOX Sports let Joe and Troy walk suggests that they are in cost-cutting mode. If that’s the case, it’s reasonable to guess whether Fox Corp is thinking of selling all of FOX Sports.”</em></p></blockquote><em>
</em><p><em></em></p>
<p>Furthermore, an insider told <em>Front Office Sports</em> that “[The cost cutting] could mean [Fox] is going into acquisition mode.</p>
<p>“When you are selling off assets, you are trying to make yourself more attractive to a buyer or losing some weight so you can purchase something.”</p>
<p>FOX possibly selling their entire sports department may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Previously, the mammoth American broadcast company sold off all of its regional sports networks to Bally Sports in 2019. The decision to sell, however, wasn’t exactly down to FOX. The U.S. Department of Justice forced the company to make the sale following Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century FOX.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, even if FOX does not sell their sports department, it is obviously clear that the company is making major cutbacks. Along with letting Buck and Aikman leave and selling their RSNs, FOX has also recently allowed their Thursday Night Football game to switch to Amazon Prime, backed out of their 12-year deal to televise PGA tournaments, including the U.S. Open, and even lost their UFC coverage in 2018.</p>
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<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/is-fox-soccer-for-sale-and-the-lure-of-relegation" title="Is FOX Soccer for sale, and the lure of relegation" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">Is FOX Soccer for sale, and the lure of relegation</a></div>
<h5>Impact on soccer content and potential buyers</h5>
<p>As far as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/how-to-watch-soccer-via-fox-sports/">FOX’s soccer content</a>, the corporation has a lot of rights. Yes, some MLS matches are available on FOX Sports, as well as select U.S. men’s and women’s national team games. On the other hand, FOX Sports have a very valuable portfolio. For instance, that includes the FIFA World Cup, Euro 2024, Euro 2028, Copa America, Gold Cup and Women’s World Cup.</p>
<p>FOX Sports’ current <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/03/29/mls-media-rights-deal-falling-short-expectations/">media rights deal</a> with Major League Soccer ends this year. Reports are that the broadcaster <a href="https://theathletic.com/3194631/2022/03/18/mls-media-rights-deal-not-likely-to-be-a-game-changer-sources-say/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">isn’t interested in renewing</a> its rights to the domestic league. At the same time, FOX Sports have been <a href="https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/1510729935018729474" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cutting costs in its production of MLS games</a>.</p>
<p>Although tech companies such as Apple and Amazon might be potential buyers should FOX decide to sell their sports division, the aforementioned Bally Sports, owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, could possibly become interested according to sources with <em>Front Office Sports</em>.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic/Getty</em></p>


Joe Buck and Troy Aikman worked for FOX for over 20 years. Could their departure signal a possible sale of FOX Sports?

FOX Sports' latest cutbacks suggest possible sale, says insider - World Soccer Talk

FOX Sports' latest cutbacks suggest possible sale, says insider

<div id="attachment_372477" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-372477" class="wp-caption-text">Credit: Getty</p></div>
<p>The UEFA Champions League exudes drama. It is unpredictable and exciting. Plus, it produces storylines that can be as short as a span of minutes or stretch across the entire season.</p>
<p>Clubs from across Europe could go on miracle runs. For example, Ajax in 2019 reached the semifinals, knocking off Real Madrid and Juventus in the process. The same exists for Monaco in 2016/17. Then, the ultimate underdog success story, Jose Mourinho’s Porto won the UEFA Champions League in the 2003/04 season.</p>
<p>Theoretically speaking, any team in the competition has a shot at winning. Even just this season, Sheriff Tiraspol, the first Moldovan side to even play in the UEFA Champions League, beat the 13-time champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>
<p>No one would dispute the fact that Real Madrid is currently and always has been superior to Sheriff. However, for that one night, lowly Sheriff Tiraspol outlasted Los Blancos.</p>
<p>The thing about the Champions League and its underdog stories is that there are a number of similarities to American Sports.</p>
<p>I will cede that passion and drama are perhaps more prominent and consistent in the Champions League. However, at its core, the UEFA Champions League is nothing more than a playoff among the best teams from last season’s ‘regular season,’ or just domestic league play.</p>
<p>Too often do fans of soccer harangue American sports because of their association with money or the lack of importance of the regular season. However, there are certain similarities between things like the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, MLB or various college sports and European soccer.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, people do not enjoy the major sports in the United States. Yet, for people who turn their back on American sports for the following reasons, they do not differ much from Europe’s biggest competition.</p>
<h5>Prejudices</h5>
<p>I find that many soccer fans in the United States are not interested in American sports. That is not to say&nbsp;<em>all&nbsp;</em>American soccer fans. For example, I love soccer. Played it growing up and watch as much as I can now. That being said, I also have a passion for American sports teams. If you are curious, those are the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays and my alma mater Florida Gators.</p>
<p>As a sport, soccer differs greatly from those. Soccer is fluid, does not have the seemingly incessant commercial breaks in the middle of games and caters to different people with different skills.</p>
<p>This piece is not to change people’s opinions on what sports they enjoy. Watch what you enjoy, simple as that.</p>
<p>Rather, below are similarities between two entities that some people often try to separate. For better or for worse, the UEFA Champions League is no more than the postseason for Europe’s elite.</p>
<h5>Which shows more success, league play or the Champions League?</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-265969 size-medium alignright" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220223_WST_372443_uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-600x401.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-200x134.jpeg 200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy.jpeg 680w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Also, I think it is important to make clear that I, personally, find league success more impressive than continental success. Additionally, I find league success more impressive because it is not wildly unpredictable or dramatic. And, yes, these are the same reasons I love the Champions League, it is beautiful because we struggle to predict what will happen.</p>
<p>Understandably, those who say the Champions League shows more success cite the fact that a club like PSG can beat up on minnows like Troyes or FC Lorient. PSG won seven of the last nine Ligue 1 titles, but they cannot thrive on the European stage. Then the same applies to all of Europe’s biggest leagues. Therefore, people who prioritize Champions League success likely would have found the European Super League to be more enjoyable, pitting major clubs against each other each week.</p>
<p>Thankfully, that did not come to fruition.</p>
<p>Instead, if we look at a club like Manchester City, which is on track to win its fourth EPL title in five seasons, there is true dominance. A Champions League celebration still eludes the Etihad Stadium, but the run of titles from the Citizens is impressive. This is especially true considering that two of the UEFA Champions League winning teams in those years finished behind City in the league. Liverpool finished second in the 2018/19 Premier League, despite winning the Champions League. Then, just two years later, Chelsea won the Champions League, despite struggling to a fourth-placed finish domestically.</p>
<p>There is merit to both arguments, it is what makes European soccer great. Yet, the <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/champions-league-final-full-list-of-all-ucl-and-european-cup-winners-as-chelsea-man-city-try-to-make-history/">tournament-style Champions League</a> allows for more parity, which is exciting. It resembles American sports, which is not a bad thing as many would like to claim.</p>
<h3>Similarities between American sports and European soccer via playoffs</h3>
<h5>Qualification</h5>
<p>The main difference between European soccer and American sports is what happens at the end of the ‘season’. In soccer, the team that finishes top of the league is the champion. Meanwhile, the team (or teams) that finish at the top get some kind of advantage for the playoffs.</p>
<p>Lower leagues often have a playoff system that determines promotion or relegation, rather than a true title of the country.</p>
<p>The best way to draw a comparison between European soccer and American sports is through using the Champions League as ‘playoffs’ for Europe. At that rate, the comparisons become apparent.</p>
<p>Each domestic league serves as a division. Let’s take something like the NFL for example. There are eight divisions in the NFL divided out of two conferences. The winners of each division get into the NFL playoffs, with the next three-best teams from each conference also qualifying.</p>
<p>In both competitions, the regular season’s sole purpose is to get to the next phase.</p>
<p>Due to the size of European soccer, there are more opportunities to qualify. Of course, that is not relatively speaking. Part of the thrill of the Champions League is the fact that only the best in each league have the opportunity to compete in the continental cup. Each team in one year’s Champions League can look back on the previous season’s domestic effort with pride.</p>
<p>In the NFL, almost half of the possible teams qualify. Of the 32 NFL teams, 14 reach the playoffs.</p>
<h5>Parity in champions</h5>
<p>There is a benefit to having this many teams in the event that most American fans look forward to. In MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA play, there are varieties of champions that emerge as ‘world champions.’</p>
<p>The tournament-style competitions allows for upsets, especially considering that the NFL is single-game knockout. The NBA, NHL and MLB have series ranging from three to seven games, eliminating some of that parity.</p>
<p>The two-legged nature of the Champions League knockout stage is something of a series itself. Even then, a three-goal comeback is not something that is impossible. For reference, just ask FC Barcelona how it went in consecutive seasons against Roma and Liverpool.</p>
<p>Say what you will about the Champions League not demonstrating which club is the best overall, the ability for a ‘small’ club to pull off results against the usual suspects is thrilling.</p>
<p>Is it truly the best way to say who is the ‘best team in Europe’? Probably not. Yet, frankly, there is not a better way to go about it that allows every European club to be in the conversation.</p>
<p>We discussed parity in the sport with LAFC’s Dave Denholm and Kartik Krishnaiyer. Parity can grow the game, which is something that American sports leagues are always trying to do, especially <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/09/how-parity-in-mls-grows-the-game-but-delivers-limitations/">Major League Soccer</a>.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Parity in MLS: Are playoffs the best way to crown a champion?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fU7dVpTZfyc?start=40&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p>However, for something as pre-established and dominant as European soccer, the season-long competition makes more sense.</p>


European soccer and American sports are something many Europhiles try to separate. However, the two entities actually share one key trait.

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