UEFA move closer to hosting Champions League final in USA as 'groundbreaking deal' lined up with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' Relevent group

UEFA and the European Club Association have entered an exclusive negotiation period with American agency Relevent Sports for global commercial rights to Europe's men's club competitions, according to The Independent. The potential "groundbreaking deal" could mean the prospect of Champions League games being played in the United States by 2033, with Relevent Sports eager to bring high-profile matches to North America.

Relevent Sports are controlled by billionaire and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and if the deal were to be completed it would mark the end of an era and a major shift for European football. UEFA has previously enjoyed a 30-year association with TEAM Marketing, and the news of a potential shift to Relevent has reportedly being met with "a state of shock" and could also result in the loss of 170 jobs.

A statement read: "The Board of UC3, the joint venture between Uefa and the European Club Association (ECA) has agreed to enter into an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights to the Uefa men's club competitions for the period 2027-2033. The decision follows an open tender process, launched last summer, which attracted bids from a number of global and regional agencies."

The Champions League has been expanded for the 2024-25 season, with the first round of last 16 play-off fixtures now set to take place. The new format means there are some exciting ties to look forward to, with the highlight being defending champions Real Madrid facing Manchester City in a true heavyweight clash.