Gerard Pique has a distinct vision for soccer’s future, blending his love for the sport with a savvy business approach. He is steering the Kings League, a seven-a-side format characterized by its innovative rules, towards its next milestones with the help of CEO Djamel Agaoua. The league, founded in 2022, seeks to establish its presence in the U.S. by 2026, not to compete with traditional soccer but to create a complementary offering.

Both Pique and Agaoua emphasize that 40% of potential soccer fans no longer watch conventional matches, with a significant majority under 35 years old, primarily engaged in ESports and streaming cultures.

Agaoua stated, “We don’t compete with soccer, but we want to create a product that is complementary. There will always be traditional audiences that won’t grasp our goals; we intend to attract a different viewer base.”

The Kings League’s model prioritizes audience engagement by allowing fans to influence decisions, such as the color of the pitch. Pique highlighted that 70% voted for a black grass surface, becoming a signature of the league.

They also have outlined potential expansions into new markets, including the Middle East and North Africa, demonstrating their ambition to resonate globally with audiences who identify with streaming and online content platforms rather than purely traditional broadcast media.