March 10 – The Premier League will return to the United States this summer for its Summer Series, featuring AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United.
From July 26 to August 3, the four clubs will play across three major US cities—New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta—giving fans another pre-season taste of English football just days after the FIFA Club World Cup Final at the MetLife stadium in New York.
The success of the 2023 Summer Series, which drew more than 265,000 fans, has cemented the event as a key part of the league’s presence in the US.
The news breaks after the Premier League cancelled its 2024 edition of the pre-season event, largely due to that summer’s congested sports calendar, packed with Copa America and the Olympic Games. Whilst it felt like a setback, it also provided an opportunity for the Premier League to reset its international brand strategy to focus on maximising this year’s effectiveness, especially juggling FIFA’s controversial Club World Cup which runs from June 14 to July 13 and features English sides Manchester City and Chelsea.
NBC Sports, the Premier League’s long-standing U.S. broadcast partner, will once again provide coverage across its networks and Peacock streaming platform.
While financial details haven’t been disclosed, the Premier League has consistently leveraged international markets for commercial growth. Last year’s record-breaking domestic TV rights deal in the UK reaffirmed its global dominance, and the continued push into the US reflects the importance of the league in that market – 10 Premier League clubs have US ownership.
Despite only a small presence of American stars playing in England, the Premier League insists its relationship with American fans has never been stronger.
Lining up alongside big-money clubs Manchester United, Everton and West Ham United, it will be AFC Bournemouth who will feel the boost most this summer. As the smallest brand of the three, the club is the home to US Men’s National Team captain Tyler Adams.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1741631584labto1741631584ofdlr1741631584owedi1741631584sni@g1741631584niwe.1741631584yrrah1741631584