<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h5>Competing with the Premier League</h5>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>LaLiga looks to extend league’s reach into MENA and India</h3>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">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></p>
<p>— SportBusiness (@SportBusiness) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/SportBusiness/status/1567124763608334336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h5>LaLiga’s growth</h5>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Insidefoto</em></p>


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

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>This week, Liverpool FC entered a long-term agreement for a South Florida academy focused on developing a base of American talent.</p>
<p>The LFC International Academy South Florida is in Palm Beach Gardens. Liverpool has another international academy in central Florida, known as the LFC IA Central Florida. However, South Florida provides opportunities to hundreds and thousands of different young soccer players.</p>
<p>The area serves as one of the most critical soccer markets in the United States. Plus, Liverpool’s higher-ups have a connection to the area. LFC Principal Owner John Henry was a longtime resident of Palm Beach County, and he continues to have holdings in the area.</p>
<p>Liverpool FC’s partnership for an international academy in South Florida comes in an agreement with <a href="https:\/\/palmbeachsocceracademy.com/">Palm Beach Soccer Academy</a>. Former English professional player Gary Walker founded the academy in 1996. This agreement gives players the ability to train under the tutelage of LFC International Academy coaches. These coaches teach directly from curriculum developed at Liverpool. Therefore, it mirrors the principles and methodologies at the center at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">LFC’s teachings</a> at its Academy in Liverpool.</p>
<p>The year-round academy consists of multiple teams. Also, it incorporates league and tournament play, as well as operating camps during the holidays. Coaches benefit from a comprehensive coach education curriculum. This includes the LFC International Academy global accreditation.</p>
<p>LFC International Academy South Florida operates on both the boys and girls side, aged 5 to 18. The first season of the LFC IA South Florida kicks off in August with initial tryouts in late May.</p>
<h3>Reactions to Liverpool’s South Florida academy</h3>
<p>Gary Walker, Palm Beach Soccer Academy (PBSA) founder, is proud to welcome Liverpool into a partnership.</p>
<p>“We have been working closely with LFC for some time to formulate this arrangement. We are honored and excited that LFC has chosen PBSA to be their partner in South Florida. This coaching program will truly be a game-changer for youth players in this area. They will have the opportunity to benefit from the LFC coaching curriculum, as well as many other advantages.”</p>
<p>Ian Rush, Reds legend and LFC International Academy ambassador, recognizes the importance of the South Florida community in the soccer world. “We can’t wait to get started in South Florida, an area that is very passionate about its soccer. We’re excited to kick the program off and to see it develop over the coming years, offering the best LFC coaching possible to youngsters from across the region.”</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Liverpool FC academy coming to Palm Beach" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/_9xJQI40ueg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p>Liverpool’s South Florida academy appointed Ian Bishop as Technical Director. Bishop featured for Manchester City, West Ham United and Miami Fusion during his playing days.</p>
<p>Bishop said “as a native of Liverpool and former Premier League player, I am extremely excited about the LFC partnership. It will be invaluable to give access to the curriculum of one of the world’s best clubs. Our players will benefit immensely.”</p>
<p>Walker and Bishop are both former professional players. Consequently, both bring extensive experience of the game from the biggest stage. Moreover, they combine for over 50 years of local coaching and experience. Both played professionally locally and have a unique sense of the players that are present in South Florida.</p>
<p>Other local coaches with experience will be added in the near future to the roster for the academy.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com/tracks/218940625&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true"></iframe></div>
<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/david-fairclough-interview-world-soccer-talk-radio-081115" title="David Fairclough interview; World Soccer Talk Radio (08.11.15)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">David Fairclough interview; World Soccer Talk Radio (08.11.15)</a></div>


Looking for young talents and an expanded brand in North America, Liverpool debuted a South Florida academy with multiple teams.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "partnership"

Leagues: LaLiga

LaLiga unveils plans to circumvent EPL growth in India and MENA

Leagues: EPL

Liverpool FC opens new academy in United States to develop talent