Javier Tebas remains determined to export Spanish top-flight matches, while confirming a staggered start to the 2026-27 campaign to accommodate World Cup scheduling.
La Liga president Javier Tebas reiterated on Thursday his intention to stage matches abroad, maintaining that such a move would prove “hugely beneficial for the LaLiga brand.”
Tebas was joined by ‘Movistar+’ business and sports director Enric Rojas to discuss the sport’s evolution at an event for alumni of the Tecnun School of Engineering, part of the University of Navarra in San Sebastian.
The league chief has spent years attempting to export domestic fixtures, having previously seen a proposed agreement involving Villarreal and Girona for a clash against Barcelona fail to materialise.
“We will persist. Many other sports bring their events to Spain, and we want to follow suit. FIFA is currently drafting regulations to permit one match per league to be played abroad,” Tebas added, identifying the United States, Casablanca, and Saudi Arabia as potential host locations.
Tebas also reflected on the recent fortunes of Spanish sides in European competition: “It was unfortunate to see several teams bow out in the quarter-finals, but those still in the hunt—Atletico de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano—possess strong chances. La Liga has secured numerous titles over the last decade,” he noted.
On the subject of financial health, he hailed the La Liga as the “most sustainable in Europe” alongside the Bundesliga. “Direct comparisons between countries are impossible. There are vast structural differences, and the Premier League operates with a far greater economic distribution,” he explained.
He also touched upon the situation at Sevilla, remarking that the club “has seen its expenditure outstrip its income” in recent seasons.
Finally, Tebas addressed the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, which will be split into two phases to account for the World Cup. “We intend to hold the first matchday on the weekend of 15 August. Those who reached the World Cup quarter-finals will play their fixtures during the subsequent midweek,” he concluded.
