The La Liga giants will relocate their commercial operations to Miami, positioning the club in what has become a hub for soccer business
Barcelona cites Miami's emergence as epicentre of American soccer businessSpanish giants receive grant from Miami Downtown Development Authority to facilitate move.New Miami office to focus on managing club assets and attracting potential investorsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
In an announcement, FC Barcelona revealed that it will relocate its United States commercial operations from New York to downtown Miami. The club has reached an agreement with the Miami Downtown Development Authority to establish a new business space focused on managing Barcelona's assets in the region while seeking new commercial opportunities and potential investors. The statement from club president Joan Laporta confirmed the same and also added that their goal is to provide the best Barca experiences to the fans.
“The city of Miami has become a hub for soccer in the United States and for us it makes sense to establish our commercial operations in one of the key markets for the Club's business,” said Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona. “We look forward to exploring all the synergies that can be established to provide the best Barça experiences to our fans throughout America"
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“From youth leagues to diehard fans, look around Miami and it's clear we are a city that loves soccer,” said Christina Crespi, CEO and Executive Director of the Miami DDA. “Bringing a historically recognized Club like FC Barcelona to downtown Miami is a testament to the rich business ecosystem in our district, and being able to leverage our business incentive program shows the power of partnership businesses get with the Miami DDA.
“This move not only strengthens our identity as a premier destination for world-class sports but will also fuel significant economic growth and create new jobs in the urban core.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
FC Barcelona's history with the United States dates back to 1937 when the team first visited during the Spanish Civil War. The club has significantly expanded its American footprint in recent years, now operating two Barça Academies Pro in Miami and New York, a Barça Residency Academy in Arizona, and three additional Barça Academies across the country. The club also maintains 15 official supporters clubs throughout the US and has conducted 54 soccer camps across 35 American cities in 2024 alone.
AFPWHAT’S NEXT?
Barcelona will establish its new commercial office in downtown Miami, focusing on managing the club's assets throughout the Americas. The Miami DDA, which has awarded more than $820,000 to new businesses in the district over the past year, will support Barcelona's integration into the local business community. This move aligns with Miami's continued growth as a soccer hub, particularly as the city prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
