ISLAMABAD: The Kings League, the innovative seven-a-side football competition founded by former Spanish star Gerard Piqué, is now eyeing a high-profile expansion into the United States, targeting a 2026 launch as part of its global growth strategy.
The announcement was made by Kings League CEO Djamel Agaoua during a media briefing in Paris, coinciding with the Kings World Cup Clubs final at La Défense Arena.
Agaoua confirmed that the U.S. version of the Kings League could kick off between the end of 2025 and early 2026, beginning operations on the East Coast due to logistical convenience.
Expanding Global Footprint
Launched in 2022, the Kings League has already established leagues in Italy, Germany, France, and Brazil. It also plans to enter the MENA region later this year in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The league’s format, which incorporates non-traditional rules and features online influencers and former professional players, has drawn major investment and millions of online viewers.
Agaoua noted that the U.S. venture would demand a higher investment than the 5-7 million euros typically required in new markets. The league raised €60 million in its latest funding round, underlining the strong investor confidence in its unique, entertainment-driven model.
Stiff Competition Ahead
Despite the rise of rival leagues like Germany’s Baller League and ICON League — the latter backed by footballer Toni Kroos and streamer Elias Nerlich — Kings League remains confident in its dominance.
Piqué downplayed concerns about competition, citing past success in markets where other leagues have already existed. “In Italy, for example, we had Goa7 League before we arrived… It doesn’t exist anymore,” he said.
Piqué added that rival leagues had not deterred their expansion into Germany, which has already proven successful for Kings League.
While markets like China and the UK remain on hold due to regulatory and streaming limitations respectively, the U.S. remains a high-potential frontier for the Kings League’s gamified, digital-age football revolution.
