The Champions League could be arriving on the shores of the United States in the near future. That’s according to David Berson, the president and CEO of CBS Sports.
Soccer is becoming increasingly popular in the US with CBS and Paramount+’s coverage of the Champions League and Europa League enjoying a massive growth this season alone.
And as the sport continues its growth Stateside, the possibility of hosting Europe’s elite in the US hasn’t been ruled out.
‘That is something that is routinely talked about,’ Berson said when asked about the possibility during a press conference to promote the network’s coverage of this weekend’s UEFA Champions League final.
‘We have nothing to say along those lines at this moment in time, but I would not be surprised if over the course of these next six years, you’ll see that in play. It’s something we welcome. I think it’s something UEFA would like.
The Champions League could be arriving on the shores of the United States in the near future
‘But again, there’s, there’s nothing to report along those lines just yet. We’re really thrilled with the coverage of this sport in this country and I give NBC and the Premier League credit as well. Overall the sport is resonating a lot with these young fans. And we’re thrilled with this property, the greatest club tournament in the world. We think there’s a tremendous amount of upside.
‘To see where we were just a few years ago, starting from the ground floor with nothing and to where we’ve come in just a few short years, I couldn’t be any more pleased that the other folk in this call that are really getting a ton of the credit for creating a show that is so authentic. It’s entertaining, it’s insightful. It’s lots of fun and can hit real topics, serious topics, fun topics that cover the game unlike any other.
‘So I’m really thrilled and I think opportunities such as bringing games to the States or, if not, that’s fine too. But I think there’s a tremendous amount of upside and we’re thrilled. We haven’t even started our new six-year deal yet.’
Paramount Global – the owner of the CBS Network – will enter a new six-year deal in a total package worth $1.5billion, which breaks down to $250million per season, for the rights to UEFA’s top European competitions.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously given hope to the venture, telling the Men in Blazers podcast that Champions League matches in the US is a possibility.
UEFA has also floated the idea of hosting an opening tournament outside Europe at the start of the season to replace the Super Cup, which currently pits the winner of the Champions League against the winner of the Europa League.
David Berson, the president of CBS Sports, revealed Stateside games had been discussed
CBS’ Champions League crew, L-R: Host Kate Abdo, analyst Thierry Henry, CBS Sports vice president of production Pete Radovich, analysts Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously given hope to the venture
Meanwhile, NBC Sports – the broadcaster of Premier League games in the US – is pushing for the English top flight to come to the New World too.
Jon Miller – NBC Sports’ president of acquisitions and partnerships – revealed that the network is currently in the works with league executives to come up with a plan to further deepen ties between English soccer and its American audience within the next few years.
Miller vowed to ‘continue to push’ for Premier League games to be played in the United States.
‘We’ve had conversations with the Premier League and they’ve been very open and receptive to listening to me,’ Miller told The Athletic in April.