FC Barcelona and Villarreal are set to earn between five and six million euros each for playing their La Liga match in Miami, with Villarreal receiving a slightly higher amount to offset lost ticket revenue. The clubs agreed to participate due to the substantial financial benefits, which will bolster their revenues amid ongoing economic pressures, and as a way to expand their global brand presence in the lucrative U.S. market. Villarreal has committed to allowing season-ticket holders who wish to attend
the Miami match to do so for free, including flight and ticket, while also refunding 20% of the season pass cost to those unable to travel.
LaLiga has been pushing to stage a domestic league match abroad since 2017 as part of a broader strategy to grow international audiences and tap into new revenue streams. The league sees the Miami fixture as an opportunity to increase exposure in North America, attract sponsorships, and strengthen partnerships with broadcasters in the United States. UEFA approved the move reluctantly, noting that domestic matches should be played in their home countries, but acknowledged gaps in FIFA regulations that allowed the exceptional approval.
The decision has sparked fierce criticism from fans, players’ associations, and some LaLiga clubs. Critics argue that moving the match prioritizes commercial gain over the rights of loyal supporters, many of whom cannot travel overseas to watch their team. Some observers described the move as a mockery of the league’s promises that fans are at the heart of the game, while others warned it could set a dangerous precedent if not firmly framed as a one-time exception. Real Madrid publicly stated that such decisions “distort” the competition, and fan groups have called for formal pushback to protect the tradition and integrity of La Liga fixtures.
The controversy also touches on logistics, as the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is scheduled to host an NFL game just one day after the Villarreal-Barça match. Adapting the stadium from a soccer pitch to an American football field and back within 24 hours will require meticulous planning, further complicating the event. Despite the backlash, La Liga and the clubs involved maintain that the financial benefits and global exposure outweigh the concerns.
