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ISL Agency continues to expand its global network through a new strategic partnership with CONMEBOL, connecting South American soccer with Europe and creating meaningful opportunities beyond borders.
As part of this alliance, teams from CONMEBOL tournament traveled to Barcelona for a six-day international experience that combined high-level competition, elite training and cultural immersion.
During their stay, the teams played friendly matches against renowned local clubs such as CF Damm, RCD Espanyol, CE Europa, FC Barcelonaand Sant Just, among others.
The sporting program also included training sessions with RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona, offering players first-hand exposure to elite European methodologies and professional environments.
Beyond the pitch, participants enjoyed a complete cultural and soccer experience. Activities included a visit to the Spotify Camp Nou Tour, a historical tour through the city of Barcelona, and the opportunity to attend top-level matches such as a UEFA Champions League fixture, a FC Barcelona women’s match, and the LaLiga clash between RCD Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano.
This partnership reflects ISL Agency’s ongoing commitment to building bridges between continents, fostering development through soccer, and creating experiences that connect cultures, talent and communities on a global scale.
ISL Agency has created and produced the official farewell video for Sergio Busquets, marking the end of one of the most influential careers in modern soccer.
As one chapter closes, ISL had the privilege of standing alongside Busquets both on and off the field, collaborating with him across different projects throughout his professional journey. Among all of them, producing his farewell video stands out as the most meaningful and symbolic collaboration.
The piece was conceived as a tribute not only to an extraordinary sporting career, but also to the values that have defined Busquets as a professional and as a person. His humility, consistency, intelligence and leadership shaped a generation and set a standard that future players will continue to look up to.
More than a farewell, the video represents a moment of reflection and gratitude. A recognition of a career that created a before and after in the game, and of a player whose impact transcends trophies and titles.
At ISL Agency, it has been an honor to help tell this story and bring to life a final message that celebrates legacy, respect and the beginning of a new chapter.
ISL Agency is pleased to announce that registrations are now officially open for the Barça Academy Summer Camps 2026 across the United States.
Following the success of previous seasons, the 2026 edition marks the most ambitious expansion to date. This summer, Barça Academy camps will take place in 42 cities across the U.S., reaching more communities and young players than ever before and reinforcing the program’s nationwide presence.
The upcoming season will once again offer a mix of co-ed camps, alongside girls-only camps in selected cities, continuing Barça Academy’s commitment to inclusivity, development and equal opportunities within youth soccer. Each camp delivers a professional training environment based on the Barça methodology, designed to help players grow both on and off the field.
With registrations now open, expectations are high for the 2026 season. Building on the strong demand and record participation of previous years, ISL Agency and Barça Academy aim to surpass past registration numbers and deliver the biggest and most impactful summer yet.
Families across the United States can now explore available cities and secure their spot for Summer 2026 by registering at fcbarcelona.us/camps, and be part of an unforgettable experience that combines elite training, values and global soccer culture.
SL Agency is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in Miami, marking a major milestone in the agency’s international growth and global vision.
Located at 25 SE 2nd Ave, Suite 1021, Miami, FL 33131, the new office strengthens ISL’s presence in the United States while reinforcing its role as a global connector between soccer fans, brands, athletes, and sports properties across continents.
This new headquarters represents more than a physical expansion. It reflects ISL’s commitment to building a soccer community without borders, where passion becomes impact and projects evolve into meaningful, long-term connections. Miami’s unique position as a bridge between North America, Latin America and Europe makes it the ideal hub to welcome the world of soccer into the U.S.
Designed to mirror the same visual identity and atmosphere as ISL’s headquarters in Barcelona, the Miami office ensures that the ISL world feels consistent and recognizable from either side of the Atlantic. No matter the city, stepping into an ISL space means stepping into the same culture, values and creative environment.
From our Miami offices, ISL will continue to develop innovative projects, global partnerships and fan-driven experiences that celebrate the game and its culture worldwide. This is where ideas grow, communities connect, and the global language of soccer brings people together.
Nicole León, ISL Marketing Director, unveils the playbook on how sports properties harness and can further leverage digital marketing in their international expansion strategies. Join us for an insightful discussion as Nicole shares key insights and addresses crucial questions, shedding light on the strategies shaping global success in the digital era.
The shifts in consumer behavior within the sports industry are characterized by a substantial move towards non-traditional media channels driven by the acceleration of digital adoption. Approximately 40.7% of global sports fans now choose to stream live sports events through digital platforms. This trend signifies a significant departure from conventional methods of sports content consumption. Furthermore, there is an increased appetite for additional sports content, both related and unrelated to live matches, across an expanding array of platforms.
The demand for content related to live events, such as match announcements, short-term content, and highlights, is nearly as high as the demand for the events themselves. Similarly, non-live sports content, including docuseries and behind-the-scenes footage, has gained traction, attracting not only existing fans but also new audiences. Multi-screen viewing activities have become more prevalent, with the general population increasing its engagement in activities like social media, texting, gaming, and ordering food by an average of 5%, doubling to 10% among Gen Z, even during significant live events.
These shifts emphasize the need for brands and sports rights holders to stay connected to evolving consumer behaviors. As channel and device fragmentation continues to rise, adapting strategies to meet consumers on the right platforms and in the right ways becomes critical for successful engagement and international expansion.
The digital media platforms present football clubs with new avenues to connect and engage with fans in innovative ways directly. The immediacy of these platforms facilitates real-time communication, fostering a sense of community as fans actively participate in conversations, polls, and live events. Additionally, the global reach of digital media allows clubs to transcend geographical boundaries, connect with international audiences, and create a diverse and inclusive fan base. This not only enhances the club’s brand globally but also enables cultural exchange among fans from different regions.
Furthermore, digital platforms enable football clubs to deploy creative engagement methods, such as virtual events, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and interactive initiatives. These strategies not only capture fans’ attention but also deepen their emotional connection to the club. The ability to personalize content delivery based on fan demographics and interests ensures a more targeted and meaningful engagement. Moreover, the analytics provided by digital platforms empower clubs to understand fan behavior, refine strategies, and make data-driven decisions, continually enhancing the overall fan experience.
In essence, digital media platforms are a dynamic tool that enables football clubs to forge direct connections, foster global communities, and explore innovative avenues for fan engagement.
The biggest challenge for sports properties in digital marketing lies in the fragmented digital landscape, making capturing and retaining fan attention increasingly difficult. As the digital space continues to diversify with various platforms and channels, reaching and maintaining a consistently engaged audience becomes a complex task for sports properties. The competition for fan attention across social media, streaming services, and other digital avenues requires strategic efforts to cut through the noise and deliver compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
In the fight for fan attention, the inherent power they possess to connect with fans and cultivate lifetime loyalty makes sports properties stand out. The emotional connection that fans develop with their favorite sports transcends mere fandom; it becomes a deeply ingrained aspect of their identity. This enduring loyalty provides sports properties with a unique advantage in capturing and retaining audience attention in the highly competitive digital landscape.
Additionally, the ability of sports properties, especially clubs, to create appealing and authentic storytelling sets them apart. Effective storytelling goes beyond the game itself, offering narratives that resonate with fans on a personal level. Whether through highlighting players’ journeys, historic moments, or community engagement, authentic storytelling fosters a deeper connection and emotional investment, making sports properties more memorable and compelling in the eyes of their audience.
Attracting younger fans demands a multifaceted approach for sustained engagement and growth. Football clubs can strategically optimize their digital presence by embracing popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram, tailoring content to the dynamics of each channel. Collaborating with influencers who resonate with the target demographic adds authenticity to the club’s messaging, while interactive content fosters active engagement. Aligning the club with broader cultural trends ensures relevance, and leveraging player stories and global community building enhances the overall fan experience.
However, the synergy between digital initiatives and physical engagements with clubs globally amplifies the impact of a young target. Expanding soccer clubs beyond their own territory through initiatives such as Summer Camps, Academies, and others not only fosters a sense of community but also provides tangible, real-world experiences, bridging the gap between the digital realm and reality.
These physical initiatives, complemented by digital ones, not only strengthen emotional ties but also offer opportunities for talent development, allowing clubs to identify and nurture young talents globally. By combining digital and physical strategies, football clubs create a comprehensive approach that reaches young fans on multiple levels, solidifying the club’s presence in their hearts and minds for the long term.
Having a fan base in different countries significantly expands clubs’ opportunities to generate new revenues. For European clubs, building a global fanbase serves as a strategic move to diversify their supporter base, reducing dependence on a single market. By strategically engaging fans through social media, targeted merchandise offerings, fan events, and local partnerships, clubs can cultivate a passionate and loyal following across borders.
A growing global fanbase not only enhances the club’s brand on an international scale but also contributes substantially to long-term sustainability. This diversified support base brings in additional revenue streams through various channels, including increased ticket sales for international matches or pre-season tours, elevated merchandise purchases from fans worldwide, and a boost in digital subscriptions for exclusive content and match streaming. The expansion into new markets not only broadens the financial landscape for clubs but also strengthens their overall resilience and market position in the dynamic world of football.
Developing relationships in other countries can give European clubs access to a vast talent pool. The American football landscape, for instance, has been evolving rapidly, with increased investment in youth development, academies, and professional leagues. By establishing partnerships with American clubs, scouting networks, or investing in youth academies, European clubs can tap into the American talent pool and identify potential players for their teams.
It is important to first understand the market and the culture the club wants to enter; it is not the same to expand in China and the USA, for example. Then, clubs have many possibilities for doing that, from local Summer Camps to international tours and pre-season friendlies with local clubs.
The current sports business landscape in the country, hosting the next FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and other relevant soccer events, presents substantial opportunities for European football clubs.
The United States represents a large and lucrative market where European clubs can strategically position themselves to capitalize on various revenue streams. European clubs can effectively tap into the American market by emphasizing key metrics such as revenue, sponsorship deals, and partnerships. The USA’s vast consumer base, robust economy, and deep-rooted passion for sports create significant opportunities for clubs to diversify their revenue sources beyond their home markets. Exploring avenues like merchandising, licensing agreements, and digital partnerships in the US can lead to additional income streams. Moreover, the increasing popularity of European football in the USA, driven by the growing fanbase and interest in major international competitions, further amplifies the potential for European clubs to strengthen their market presence and financial stability in the American sports business landscape.
The world is watching as football takes over the USA, which is happening not only due to Messi’s arrival but also because of the continuous investment and structuring of their male and female national leagues, the MLS and the NWSL, respectively, and the rising numbers of football, or soccer, fandom all around.
To achieve this status, USA football clubs and leagues have demonstrated excellent marketing and financial strategies, offering valuable lessons for more traditional European leagues.
Fan Engagement
MLS excels in fan engagement through various initiatives, including interactive fan experiences, social media, and community involvement. The marketing and promotion in North America and beyond also stands out.
Angel City FC, an NWSL club with a majority female ownership, is an exemplary model for building a community within a football club from the ground up. The MLS itself is committed to attracting younger fans and creating innovative content, as evidenced by its recent partnership with TikTok.
Sports properties all around the world can be inspired by such activations to expand their global reach and attract new fans, connecting with them on a personal level and building a more engaged and passionate fanbase.
Stadium Atmosphere
While there’s nothing quite like South American hinchas, the MLS and the NWSL have worked on creating a vibrant and family-friendly stadium atmosphere. Attention to every detail enhances the matchday experience, making it more comfortable and special for the fans. Austin FC, one of MLS’s clubs with the most engaged community, also does that by promoting activations like Pride Night.
North Americans have always been industry leaders when it comes to blending sports and entertainment. Basketball has exemplified this approach and become a global benchmark with its fast-paced on-court action, spectacular plays, and exciting events that extend beyond sports. This constant pursuit of the “show” has not only defined the USA sports experience but has also influenced how other sports are approached and enjoyed in the country.
Besides providing more entertaining matchday experiences, traditional leagues and clubs currently face the challenge of improving stadium facilities and promoting fan engagement. The USA offers valuable lessons on how to enhance the overall atmosphere.
Financial Transparency
American leagues have clear guidelines to ensure the league is financially sustainable, with teams following current regulations and promoting transparency. European football can benefit from such measures to ensure that clubs maintain financial stability and comply with fair play.
However, regarding tradition and technical quality, the USA draws much inspiration from South American and European football, which have paved the way for the league’s continued growth.
Technical Quality and Playing Style
LaLiga is known for its technical and possession-based style of play, Brazil for its creativity, attacking style, and skillful dribbling, the Premier League for its fast-paced and physical matches, and the Bundesliga for its attacking football and development of young talent.
The MLS and the NWSL are on the path to defining their own style of play and can learn from all these leagues how to improve the technical abilities of their players and promote a more attractive, skillful brand of soccer.
Talent Development
Especially in Europe, football academies are professionally structured and continuously develop top-level talent, which helps not only to attract audiences to their own leagues but also to improve the clubs’ finances with substantial fees for the transfer of players.
By investing in developing young talent in their academy systems, MLS and NWSL can produce more homegrown talent. It is crucial for the USA’s national football interest and international attention to create its own star players to guarantee sustainable growth and reduce its current dependency on expensive international signings.
International Scouting
European leagues have been successful in scouting and recruiting top international talent, particularly from Latin America and other parts of the world.
The North American leagues are already on the way, learning how to effectively scout and bring in international stars to raise the overall level of competition.
For over 10 years, ISL has been based in the USA and has developed extensive knowledge of how the sports market operates, specializing in translating business strategies and standards from one continent to another.
This expertise is key to helping European sports properties find perfect opportunities to expand to the USA, bridging the gap between each culture to develop projects that facilitate international growth effectively.
To celebrate the launch of X CRAZYFAST, the latest boot release from Adidas packed full of ‘AERO’ innovations, Adidas Spain gave the experience of a lifetime to the top Spanish content creators.
With all eyes on Miami after Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami CF, the city was the perfect choice for Koko DC, Adri Contreras, xBuyer, MiniBuyer, Laura Vizcaino, and Spursito, to live a football experience while promoting the new boots.
We used all of our expertise about North American football, the club, and the city, our home in the USA since 2018, to provide them with an amazing visit to Miami and unforgettable football moments.
ISL arranged for influencers exclusive access to the Florida Blue Training Center, Inter Miami’s training grounds, where they spent an afternoon playing and capturing some incredible content for their social media.
For our Managing Partner, Marc Segarra, having the brand and influencers coming from Spain makes the activation even more special: “It is always nice to welcome people from our country to our new home in America and be able to show them the access we have here in Miami and our relationship with Inter Miami. We are pretty excited that they have trusted us and we can make everybody feel at home.”
On October 27th, the group had another VIP experience, this time to watch Inter Miami in action in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final!
As they witnessed Houston Dynamo’s victory by 2×1 at the DRV PNK Stadium, the influencers enjoyed an extraordinary panoramic view of the pitch, premium service executive, and food & beverage.
It was a pleasure to be a part of such an unforgettable experience!
Stay tuned for more interesting facts to come!
Why do you believe the FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world?
Although the FIFA World Cup is held every four years, it manages to capture the attention of billions of people from all walks of life and embodies national pride while providing a platform for countries to not only show off their soccer talent but also their culture, history and passion for the game. The World Cup brings people together from all over the world and is the ultimate showcase of the beautiful game filled with the biggest stars vying for the ultimate prize. It is through the significance of the FIFA World Cup that we really understand why soccer is the biggest sport in the world.
What sort of global impact does the FIFA World Cup have across different societies?
FIFA World Cup brings people together and breaks down cultural barriers, racism and social inequality, while creating a sense of unity among different countries. As I experienced in Qatar, during the World Cup, the love for football is all that matters.
What is the economic impact of the FIFA World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup has a significant economic impact, both for the host country and for the global economy. During the tournament, the host country experiences a boost in tourism as millions of fans travel to attend the games, stay in hotels, and eat at local restaurants. This leads to an increase in local economic activity, such as job creation, and can help to boost the country’s overall economic growth.
In addition to the direct benefits for the host country, the World Cup also has indirect economic benefits through increased media exposure, sponsorship deals, and the sale of merchandise and memorabilia. These factors can help to promote the host country’s brand and attract further investment.
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most lucrative sporting events in the world, with the total revenue generated by the event estimated to be over fourteen billion dollars through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
What are the different types of stakeholders involved in the FIFA World Cup?
Typically, it would be the host country, FIFA, and LOC (Local Organizing Committee). FIFA is the governing body of the tournament and is responsible for organizing other events such as the Women’s World Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and others. The LOC is responsible for organizing different events such as the opening ceremony, promoting the tournament, and generating revenue; while the host country is responsible for organizing the tournament, providing training facilities and transportation during the competition. FIFA has 6 different continental confederations: AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania), and UEFA (Europe).
If 2022 could be described in one word for ISL, it would be – revolutionary. This year has brought us incredible launches, promising partnerships, and groundbreaking experiences.
Did you know that ISL had at least one major event take place for nine months of the year? That means that 75% of the months in the year had at least one major tentpole event for the agency! From the drop of Luka Modric’s first NFT collection in January to the collaboration between Barça and MLS in July, as well as the first ever LaLiga Select showcase in Madrid in March, ISL has had the opportunity to partake in some pretty incredible moments that made 2022 a year for the books.
Let’s hit rewind on 2022 and go through some of the most memorable moments for ISL!
January 2022
ISL goes digital | Luka Modric released his very own official and authenticated NFT collection. The collection was made available by Ethernity Chain and powered through ISL – Ethernity’s official and exclusive soccer partner.
February 2022
Travel management returned to the UK!
March 2022
LaLiga Select held its first ever showcase in the Spanish capital of Madrid! 118 players were selected from an impressive total of 12,000 youth soccer players across 14 different scouting events in North America.
Entering the esports arena, in 2022, we saw esports player João Oliveira join the powerful Portuguese team of Benfica through the support of ISL.
May 2022
Switching gears back to LaLiga Select, in May 2022, we had our first selection of players who passed onto the third and final phase of LaLiga Select. Three players were offered scholarships by LaLiga Select to continue their journey in Spain and spent the next two weeks training with LaLiga Academy teams such as Celta, Alavés, and Levante.
June 2022
ISL and Icerock powered an epic friendly between D.C. United vs Xelajú MC.
July 2022
ISL heads west in July 2022! In collaboration with ISL, FC Barcelona closed out its first two games against Inter Miami FC and the New York Bulls of MLS. This was a game that fans had not seen since 2008 and also an exciting face-off between FC Barcelona and Beckham’s Inter FC
We also broke records in 2022! Our FC Barcelona Academy Summer Camps launched in July 2022, and we saw a record-breaking count of over 5,000 players enlisted at our Seattle camp
ISL and USYF (United States Youth Futsal – a US Soccer member) continued to strengthen their relationship by expanding futsal in the United States through a series of events in Kansas City, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Charlotte during the summer.
October 2022
A little bit of self-care in 2022. We had the grand opening of our new Barcelona office, and let’s just say we ended up celebrating 3 hours more than expected!
ISL also held a corporate meeting to discuss all the exciting things we have planned for the future.
November 2022
We made partnerships happen! In November 2022, ISL and Pepsi x DJ Mariio provided gamers with a never-before-seen immersive experience combining everyone’s love for soccer and video games. The partnership was made possible through the support of ISL.
December 2022
December is the month of friendlies powered by ISL and Icerock! From AS Roma facing off with Cádiz CF to Crystal Palace hosting Real Valladolid at the Selhurst Park Stadium and, of course, Herta BSC going up against Millonarios FC in Osceola County Stadium – this month was a month full of friendlies!
Pepsi and ISL joined forces again! Together, Pepsi and ISL teamed up to launch Pepsi’s marketing campaign in Central America. Through the support of ISL, Joao Felix and Sergio Busquets were the two featured stars of Pepsi’s marketing campaign in Central America.
Phew! With all that said (emphasis on all), our year comes to a bittersweet end filled with incredible moments, industry-changing collaborations, and never-before-seen releases. We could not have made it to this point without the support and commitment of our ISL team and the support from everyone who helped make this possible. We want to thank each and every one of you for your perseverance and belief in us. We can’t wait to see you all in the new year and work together to make 2023 another revolutionary year.
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