SAN JOSE, Calif. –
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they will participate in the 2015 International Champions Cup North America. Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures – a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies – today unveiled the full lineup of marquee clubs for the 2015 International Champions Cup North America. The Quakes will compete in an international tournament for the second straight year. Last July, San Jose held the defending La Liga champions, Athletico Madrid, scoreless through 90 minutes before falling 4-3 in penalty kicks in the 2014 Copa Euroamericana at Candlestick Park. The Earthquakes have historically fared well against international competition, holding a 9-8-8 record in all international friendlies since 1996, and are currently on a 10-game regulation unbeaten streak dating back to 2004.
The third year of the tournament, the annual summer showcase will take place from July 11 to August 5. Official network partners FOX Sports will televise all of the tournament’s 17 matches live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to participate in such a prestigious tournament,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “As one of three Major League Soccer teams invited to take part, we look forward to competing against many of the best teams in the world.”
Ten clubs from across the globe are participating in the highly anticipated summer tournament, including teams from Spain, England, Portugal, Mexico and Italy, as well as three Major League Soccer franchises. Following is a list of all participating teams, led by Manchester United, the defending International Champions Cup champions:
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Manchester United F.C.
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FC Barcelona
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Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
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Chelsea F.C.
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FC Porto
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Club América
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ACF Fiorentina
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New York Red Bulls
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LA Galaxy
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San Jose Earthquakes
In 2015, the International Champions Cup will be played across the globe, including standalone tournaments in both China and Australia. Clubs participating in the two new overseas showcases include Real Madrid CF, Manchester City and AS Roma, providing even more fans from around the world the opportunity to see their favorite clubs live.
This year's International Champions Cup features the most storied and successful clubs in the world, including many of the world's top players. The 10 participating teams have won a total of 91 domestic league titles, 98 domestic cup titles, 10 UEFA Champions League titles and six CONCACAF Champions League titles. The teams feature nine of the 2014-2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or nominees, as well as 31 of the top 100 players in the world as chosen yearly by renowned English magazine FourFourTwo.
"The last two years have demonstrated the thirst for soccer in the United States,” said David Tyler, CEO of Relevent Sports. "The clubs participating in the International Champions Cup this year are some of the most storied and well-known in the entire world. Through our tournament and commitment to putting the best product and teams on the pitch, we will continue to grow soccer both domestically and abroad.”
“Year Two of the International Champions Cup set the gold standard for soccer worldwide,” said Charlie Stillitano, Chairman of Relevent Sports. “Not only did more than 600,000 fans pack stadiums to watch elite soccer across the country, but the 109,000 fans attending the Manchester United and Real Madrid match created a historic day for both the tournament and the sport. We are excited to bring even more fans, historic matchups and world-class soccer to iconic venues in 2015.”
The tournament will be seen in over 160 countries across the world and will be played throughout July and August. Official network partners FOX will televise the entirety of the tournament’s 17 matches live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. Internationally, future media rights deals will be announced over the coming weeks.
"The International Champions Cup has become a global brand,” said Matt Higgins, CEO of RSE Ventures. “This summer, we will have three tournaments running concurrently across the entire world. In just two years, the International Champions Cup has quickly become one of the premier sports properties in the entire world, and we are eager to continue expanding into new markets and bringing our tournament to additional fans in the years ahead.”
Each participating MLS club will host at least one matchup. Additional information on specific matchups, venues and dates will be announced on April 28. Further details about the 2015 International Champions Cup North America including presale information can be found at www.internationalchampionscup.com.
About Relevent Sports
Relevent Sports provides an innovative approach to building a soccer presence in the United States and around the globe. Relevent Sports showcases the best match-ups and tournaments in soccer featuring the top clubs, international teams and players. In addition to hosting the International Champions Cup annually every summer, Relevent Sports works closely with national teams including Brazil, Argentina and Portugal to host exhibition matches in major sports venues throughout the year. Utilizing brand development, grassroots planning, corporate sponsors, international touring and philanthropic initiatives, Relevent Sports promotes and grows the love of soccer worldwide.
About the International Champions Cup North America
The International Champions Cup is an annual summer soccer tournament organized by Relevent Sports, featuring the best clubs from around the world. A staple property of Relevent Sports and RSE Ventures, the International Champions Cup brings the best in soccer to iconic sports venues across North America, Australia, Europe and China.
Last year, the International Champions Cup featured premier European clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan, Roma, Inter Milan and Olympiacos. The tournament, played across 13 North American cities, saw Manchester United go undefeated en route to the championship. The International Champions Cup also featured the largest attended soccer match in United States history, when 109,318 fans packed the “Big House” at the University of Michigan to witness Manchester United defeat Real Madrid. The inaugural tournament in 2013 featured eight clubs – Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Valencia, Everton and the L.A. Galaxy. It concluded with Real Madrid’s victory over Chelsea in front of nearly 70,000 fans.
Since its inception in 2013, more than one million fans have packed stadiums to watch clubs compete in the International Champions Cup, along with more than 700 million households watching worldwide. In 2015, the tournament will expand to Asia and Australia, as it continues to grow rapidly and attract fans from all over the world.
About RSE Ventures
Founded in 2012 by Stephen M. Ross and Matt Higgins, RSE Ventures is a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies. RSE builds, owns and operates companies in sports, media, entertainment and technology, including Catalyst Media Group, VaynerMedia, Vayner/RSE, Relevent Sports, Ascendent Sports Group and the International Champions Cup.
