MLS and CAA announced Friday that they are teaming to bring back the World Football Challenge, featuring some of the biggest and best-known soccer clubs from around the world. And this time there'll be a local flavor, as MLS clubs will take part.
“We are pleased to have MLS clubs compete in this summer’s World Football Challenge, and our teams embrace the challenge of competing against top international opponents,” said Will Wilson, MLS executive vice president. “We have worked closely with CAA Sports in the past and are proud to partner with them to produce this innovative event for soccer fans throughout the region.”
The tournament will run from July 14 through August 6. The competing teams, schedule, format, event sponsors and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. Televisa, a founding partner of the inaugural World Football Challenge, will remain involved in 2011.
“By all measures, the inaugural World Football Challenge was a big success: introducing some of the top international clubs and players to existing and new American fans of soccer, multiple sold-out matches, blue-chip sponsors and a world-class broadcast partner in ESPN,” said Michael Levine, co-head of CAA Sports.
“We are thrilled to team up with our friends at Major League Soccer, who have done an incredible job elevating awareness and building enthusiasm for soccer in the US, to amplify the fan experience and bring some of the brightest stars and biggest teams together in the World Football Challenge.”