Premier League in America: Good or Bad Idea? | OneFootball

Premier League’s American Ambitions: Assessing the Prospects and Pitfalls

Premier League Eyes the American Market

The idea of hosting a Premier League fixture in the United States has long stirred debates and emotions among football enthusiasts. Yet, Jon Miller, a top executive at NBC Sports, champions the notion. NBC, which invested a staggering $2.7 billion (£2.2bn) to broadcast every Premier League game from 2022 to 2028, sees potential benefits in staging an in-season match stateside.

Balancing Corporate Interests and Fan Authenticity

The discussion around international Premier League matches isn’t new. The Football Supporters’ Association has vivid memories of opposing the ‘Game 39’ proposal in 2008—a plan to add an extra match to the calendar abroad—and they stand ready to combat any similar proposals with fervour. Yet, the landscape of global sports is changing, and with other leagues like La Liga leading the way in international expansion, the Premier League might not want to lag behind.

A Closer Look at Fan Reactions and Market Trends

Despite the resistance, the allure of the American market is undeniable. The success of the Premier League’s Summer Series in the U.S., which drew over 265,000 attendees across nine matches, underscores the existing appetite for live, top-tier football matches. Moreover, NBC’s Premier League Mornings Live fan festivals have attracted tens of thousands, highlighting a robust fanbase eager for more immersive experiences.

But what would the actual execution look like? It’s unlikely that high-stake matches such as Liverpool vs Manchester United would travel overseas. However, matches featuring one high-profile team against a less globally recognised club could serve both to satiate American viewers and help smaller clubs expand their footprint in lucrative markets.

Potential Consequences and the Future

The precedence set by the NFL, which now stages regular-season games in multiple international locations, serves as a compelling blueprint for the Premier League. However, the expansion has its critics. Some fear that starting with one match could eventually lead to several, fundamentally altering the league’s tradition and fan experience.

Yet, the financial imperative is potent. As the growth in domestic broadcasting rights in the UK has plateaued, the American market offers a frontier of opportunity. The substantial investment by NBC in the Premier League’s broadcasting rights is a testament to the potential they see. Fans in the U.S., despite their geographical distance, are just as passionate, often adjusting their schedules drastically to catch live games. It’s almost an impossible task to please everyone, but can the Premier League find a solution to please the core domestic fans, whilst rewarding US overseas fans?