New Development: Could Premier League Matches Be Played in USA?
The English Premier League, renowned for its thrilling football action and global fan base, has occasionally ventured beyond its traditional borders.
The possibility of Premier League matches being held outside its traditional borders has been met with strong opposition from the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) who have made it clear that they will strongly resist any attempts to revive such plans.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters hinted at the possibility of such fixtures, and NBC Sports, which has broadcasting rights for the Premier League in the United States, is eager to bring these matches to American audiences.
Meanwhile, NBC Sports’ president of acquisitions and partnerships, Jon Miller, has expressed interest in having a couple of Premier League games open the season in big stadiums during the opening weekend.
Premier League Summer Series USA Tour (2023)
During the summer of 2023, the Premier League embarked on an exciting journey called the Summer Series USA Tour. Six English football clubs: Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United, traveled across the Atlantic to play on American soil. The tour covered five major cities on the East Coast, including Atlanta (Georgia), Harrison (New Jersey), Orlando (Florida), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Landover (Maryland), where nine matches were played. This brought top-flight English football closer to American fans, providing them with an opportunity to witness live Premier League action.
The tour included a variety of events such as fan events, player interactions, and community outreach, besides the matches themselves. Some of the notable matches included a clash between two Premier League sides, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, which showcased the excellence of English football. The Fulham vs. Brentford match was a West London derby on foreign soil. Overall, the Summer Series USA Tour was a fantastic experience for American fans, creating lasting memories and bringing them closer to English football.
The “39th Game” Proposal (2008)
In 2008, the Premier League proposed the "39th game," which would add an extra round of matches to the season and be played abroad. Supporters argued it would increase the league's global reach and generate more revenue for clubs and the league. However, opponents raised concerns about fixture congestion, and top clubs profiting from huge extra revenue creating unfairness. Ultimately, the proposal was rejected due to significant opposition from FIFA, UEFA, and football associations, and the Premier League decided not to pursue the idea.
FA chairman, Lord Triesman, emphasized the need for substantive answers to address the concerns raised. After careful deliberation, the Premier League decided not to pursue the "39th game" idea, and the proposal was ultimately rejected.
Current Status and Reflections
The Premier League's "39th game" proposal is not going to be revived, as clubs have decided not to pursue it due to the challenges and opposition it faced. However, the league is still exploring its international fan base through pre-season tours and other initiatives, despite the "39th game" being nothing more than a historical curiosity. The league remains committed to engaging fans globally, and this dedication is unwavering.
Premier League fixtures aside, Manchester City and Chelsea are set to play in the United States in 2025 summer as FIFA’s inaugural 32-team Club World Cup.
Bringing matches to the USA could offer an opportunity for fans to witness the thrilling atmosphere of English football in person. This could lead to more fans attending games, participating in fan events, and supporting their respective clubs passionately.
In conclusion, the Premier League’s journey to the USA and the global fanbase at large has been marked by intriguing proposals. While the proposals didn’t materialize, the league’s global appeal is captivating. Fans can only hope they live to see the day.