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Portuguese soccer giants Benfica have announced a partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Gotham FC to advance the development of women’s soccer and expand their global reach.
Confirmed:
- Primeira Liga club to deepen its roots in the Portuguese and Benfica community of New Jersey and New York as part of US expansion plan
- Gotham FC and Benfica to establish a preference agreement for identifying and recruiting US-based players to play in Europe
- Both clubs to leverage each other’s brand strength for international growth in the women’s soccer market
Context:
The partnership signifies the next major step in Benfica’s strategic initiatives in the US, with the team-up set to provide opportunities for growth, collaboration and business off the pitch. The pact will also enable Benfica to gain insights from the North American women’s soccer landscape, allowing the club to enhance its player development programmes and reinforce its reputation for talent development.
Gotham FC, meanwhile, will benefit from working with Benfica, who are renowned for their elite youth academy. This will bolster Gotham FC’s player development systems and enhance the club’s competitiveness in the NWSL.
Comment:
“With the investment that Benfica has made we believe that we will reach higher levels in women’s soccer and this partnership and relationship with the USA will contribute to that,” said Bernardo Faria de Carvalho, global expansion director at Benfica.
Coming next:
The two clubs will focus on creating future player transaction opportunities by developing a pathway for young players to thrive in Europe.
