FC Porto and FC Cincinnati Sign Strategic Partnership Focused on U.S. Market Expansion.

Roger Hampel

Image: FC Porto

FC Porto has signed a strategic partnership agreement with FC Cincinnati, formalising a long-term cooperation aligned with the Portuguese club’s international expansion strategy and increasing focus on the United States as a priority football market.

The agreement is framed within FC Porto’s Strategic Plan, which identifies international expansion as a core pillar for medium- and long-term growth and competitiveness. The United States was selected following an internal assessment of its sporting and commercial potential, driven by scale, market maturity and upcoming international events, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Partnership FC Porto

According to FC Porto, the protocol marks a shift toward a more structured and institutional approach to the North American market. Beyond commercial visibility, the partnership is intended to cover scouting, player development and potential commercial initiatives, rather than operating as a short-term branding exercise.

Existing links between FC Porto and the U.S. market include the club’s global partnership with New Balance and the presence of a significant Portuguese and FC Porto–supporting community, which the club has observed during recent international competitions.

Why FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati was identified as a strategic partner based on governance standards, organisational stability and long-term vision within Major League Soccer. Since entering MLS in 2019, the club has demonstrated steady sporting and infrastructural development, reaching the league semi-finals last season.

From a business perspective, the partnership connects FC Porto with an MLS organisation operating in a single-entity league system that emphasises long-term planning, infrastructure investment and commercial scalability.

Scope and Long-Term Orientation

While specific operational details were not disclosed, the agreement suggests cooperation across multiple areas, including academies, scouting networks and potential player pathways between the two clubs. The partnership was formally signed at the FC Porto Museum, with both club presidents in attendance.

Executive Comments

André Villas-Boas, President of FC Porto, said:

“This represents a new way for FC Porto to position itself internationally, particularly in the United States, where we are also planning to open our first football school. This protocol goes beyond player development and also includes scouting and commercial strategies that may emerge from this relationship. It is a fundamental step in the U.S., which will host the 2026 World Cup, especially with an American franchise recognised as one of the most innovative and dynamic in MLS.”

He added:

“In the last 10 years, FC Cincinnati has achieved significant success. They are supported by strong investors and are recognised for their infrastructure, player development and academies. From that perspective, this partnership is strategic for us, as we are working with a dynamic and relatively young club that has already achieved market recognition.”

Jeff Berding, President of FC Cincinnati, commented:

“This partnership will be a key pillar of our strategy for the next 10 years. Our club is young, but we have built world-class stadium and training facilities, won our first trophy and are now recognised among the best clubs in MLS. Over the next decade, we want to become a globally respected club, and to do that, we must learn from the best.”

Berding also highlighted the upcoming MLS calendar change:

“In 2027, MLS will move to the FIFA standard calendar, running from August to May. This will allow us to be more active in the global football market. Some of our best players may move to FC Porto, while younger players may see FC Cincinnati as an important step in their development.”