The Kings League, founded by former Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, is preparing to enter the United States in 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand into new global markets and potentially license its innovative format.
Launched in 2022, the Kings League has reimagined football by combining seven-a-side matches with video game-style elements, shorter game times, customised rules, and heavy fan interaction. Social media creators and digital personalities play central roles in teams and events. Therefore, the league attracts younger audiences.
The competition has already expanded beyond Spain into Italy, Germany, France, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. This month, Brazil is hosting the Kings League’s World Cup-style tournament, highlighting the league’s rapid international growth.
Speaking to Reuters in São Paulo, Piqué said the focus is now on strengthening existing audiences while opening carefully selected new markets. He confirmed that the United States is a priority. However, he stressed that the rollout will be measured.
Pique's Kings League aims for US launch, licensing amid global expansion https://t.co/3kqrLoY6eH https://t.co/3kqrLoY6eH
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 17, 2026“There will be different challenges,” Piqué said. “That’s why we want to take our time and think very carefully about the best way to do it,” noting that football is not the dominant sport in the US.
Kings League chief executive Djamel Agaoua added that the US version may require a stronger entertainment layer. He pointed out that the American sports market demands a higher level of spectacle, beyond the league’s core football product.
Licensing and future growth
Beyond the United States, Piqué revealed strong interest from countries including the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and several South American markets such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
To manage this demand, the league is considering licensing its format rather than directly operating dozens of competitions. Piqué said running 30 or 40 leagues would be impractical, making licensing a more sustainable option.
The Kings League is also exploring long-term expansion into other sports. Agaoua cited basketball, tennis, and combat sports as areas where the league’s fast-paced, entertainment-driven model could succeed.
The Kings World Cup Nations final this weekend at São Paulo’s Allianz Parque is expected to draw around 40,000 fans. This underscores the league’s growing global appeal.
