In an effort to strengthen their global strategy, several representatives from the club visited the corporate headquarters of the NFL and the facilities of the Brooklyn Nets, two leaders in American sports, to gain firsthand insights into their innovative international expansion strategies in both management and sports operations.
At the NFL, UD Las Palmas met with Sunny Mehta, head of international strategy and fan relations, where they learned about the international strategies employed by NFL teams, leveraging business models to attract and retain fans beyond U.S. borders. Additionally, with Emily Walkerden, head of partner relations, the club met with the Brooklyn Nets to understand their tactics for attracting and engaging "fan tourists." This approach aims to integrate sports experiences driven by data, aligning with New York's tourism strategy.
Brooklyn serves as a prime example due to its efforts to connect with a community in a borough that boasts a wide variety of languages and cultures, each with diverse interests and tastes.
These exchanges support the strategic plan of UD Las Palmas to enhance their management model with new initiatives that reflect their values and highlight their unique environment, in light of the significant stadium expansion that Gran Canaria Stadium will undergo by 2027, including planned seating renovations ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The club's privileged geographical location and commitment to excellence were key topics during the discussions, focusing on showcasing Gran Canaria’s unique appeal as a destination for fans and followers.
Moreover, the club observed firsthand how New York sports teams collaborate with tourism offices to share best practices and explore synergy opportunities in promoting sports tourism. This collaboration will enable UD Las Palmas to continue supporting both local and international communities, strengthening ties with other organizations that promote tourism and culture through sports.
With these efforts, UD Las Palmas continues its initial steps in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, furthering its commitment to internationalization and reinforcing its dedication to innovation and growth, aiming to position itself as a global club renowned for both its athletic performance and social responsibility and economic development initiatives.
This marks the club’s second visit to the United States, following their trip to San Antonio, Texas, last July, where the organization explored avenues for sports collaboration.
