Premier League Summer Series 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the U.S. Pre-Season Tournament

The Premier League Summer Series has become a thrilling highlight for football fans in the United States, bringing the excitement of England’s top-flight clubs to iconic American stadiums. Launched in 2023, this pre-season friendly tournament showcases Premier League teams in a round-robin format, offering fans a chance to see world-class players and clubs up close. The event, which will take place from July 26 to August 3, will feature matches between West Ham United, Manchester United, AFC Bournemouth, and Everton. and a festive atmosphere. In this article, we dive deep into the Premier League Summer Series, covering its history, schedule, teams, venues, how to watch, and why it’s a must see for football enthusiasts. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or new to the Premier League, this ensure you’re ready for the ultimate pre-season experience.

What is the Premier League Summer Series

The Premier League Summer Series is a pre-season friendly football tournament hosted in the United States, organized by the Premier League, England’s top professional football league. Introduced in 2023, it’s the second Premier League-affiliated competition to be held outside England, following the Premier League Asia Trophy (2003–2019). The event brings together Premier League clubs for a series of exhibition matches, serving as a critical part of their pre-season preparations for the August-to-May competitive season.

The tournament operates on a round-robin format, with each participating team playing three matches. Three points are given for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. The team with the most points at the end is crowned the Summer Series champion, with tiebreakers based on goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results. Beyond the matches, the event includes fan festivals, community activities, and tailgating, creating a vibrant Premier League matchday experience.

The Summer Series taps into the growing popularity of football in the U.S where the Premier League boasts millions of passionate fans. The inaugural 2023 tournament drew over 265,000 attendees across nine matches, with Chelsea emerging as champions. The edition, featuring four clubs and six matches, aims to build on this success, hosted in three iconic U.S. cities.

History of the Premier League Summer Series

The Inaugural Edition

Announced in April 2023 by Premier League CEO Richard Masters, the first Premier League Summer Series ran from July 22 to July 30, 2023, across five U.S. cities: Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Harrison (New Jersey), and Landover (Maryland).Six clubs participated: Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United. Each team played three matches, resulting in nine high-energy games.

Highlights included Chelsea’s 4-3 thriller against Brighton in Philadelphia and Aston Villa’s 3-3 draw with Brentford in Maryland. Chelsea topped the standings with two wins and a draw, lifting the inaugural trophy. The tournament attracted over 250,000 fans, with matches broadcast on NBC Sports and Peacock, cementing its appeal. Community initiatives, including over 100 hours of youth activities, underscored the Premier League’s commitment to engaging American audiences.

A Streamlined Return

The second edition, scheduled for July 26 to August 3, 2025, features a more compact format with four teams AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United playing six matches across three venues. The decision to host doubleheaders (two matches per event) ensures fans get maximum value, with one ticket granting access to both games. The tournament will visit East Rutherford (New Jersey), Chicago, and Atlanta, with all venues being iconic American football stadiums, a shift from the mixed venues of 2023. This evolution reflects the Premier League’s focus on leveraging high-capacity, historic stadiums to enhance the fan experience.

Premier League Summer Series 2025: Schedule and Venues

Three U.S. states will host the 2025 Premier League Summer Series. cities, with doubleheaders at each location. Below is the full schedule, as announced by the Premier League:

Saturday, July 26 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Match 1: Everton vs. AFC Bournemouth (4:00 p.m. ET)
• Match 2: Manchester United vs. West Ham United (7:00 p.m. ET)

MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, has a capacity of 82,500 and a history of hosting major football events, including the 2014 Super Bowl. Its selection underscores the tournament’s ambition to attract massive crowds.

Wednesday, July 30 – Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Match 1: West Ham United vs. Everton (5:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. ET)
• Match 2: Manchester United vs. AFC Bournemouth (8:30 p.m. CT / 9:30 p.m. ET)

Soldier Field, the historic home of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire, seats over 60,000 and offers stunning lakefront views. Chicago’s debut as a host city adds a fresh dimension to the series, with the city’s vibrant sports culture expected to draw enthusiastic crowds.

Sunday, August 3 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Match 1: AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United (2:00 p.m. ET)
• Match 2: Manchester United vs. Everton (5:00 p.m. ET)

Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which hosted games in 2023 and 2025. With a capacity of 71,000 and a reputation for hosting global events (including 2026 World Cup matches), it’s a fitting finale for the tournament.

Each team plays three matches, ensuring a balanced competition. Kickoff times vary to accommodate fans and broadcasters, with NBC Sports providing live coverage across NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.

Teams Competing in the Premier League Summer Series

The 2025 lineup features four storied clubs, each bringing unique histories and fanbases:

AFC Bournemouth

Based in Bournemouth, England, AFC Bournemouth, nicknamed “The Cherries,” earned promotion to the Premier League in 2022. Known for their attacking style under manager Andoni Iraola, they’re a rising force. Bournemouth’s participation offers U.S. fans a chance to see emerging talents like Justin Kluivert.

Everton

Everton, one of England’s oldest clubs, was established in 1878 and was a founding member of both the football League and Premier League. Nicknamed The Toffees, they’ve won nine league titles and five FA Cups. Everton’s move to a new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in 2025 adds excitement, with defender James Tarkowski highlighting the club’s global appeal.

Manchester United

One of the world’s most iconic clubs, Manchester United boasts 20 league titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. Known as “The Red Devils,” they draw massive U.S. crowds, with stars like Bruno Fernandes leading the charge. Their participation guarantees high-energy matches and significant fan turnout.

West Ham United

Founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks, West Ham United, nicknamed The Hammers, moved to the 62,500-capacity London Stadium in 2016. Winners of the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League, they embody the West Ham Way of entertaining football. Their U.S. fanbase is growing, making them a key draw.

How to Watch and Attend the Premier League Summer Series

Watching on TV or Streaming

NBC Sports, the Premier League’s longtime U.S. broadcast partner, will cover all six matches live across NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo. Peacock will stream select matches live, with replays available shortly after. Fans can access highlights, analysis, and commentary via Peacock’s Premier League Hub or NBC Sports’ platforms. Commentary will feature Peter Drury and Jon Champion, with Rebecca Lowe hosting pitch-side alongside pundits Tim Howard, Robbie Earle, and Graeme Le Saux.

For bars, restaurants, or businesses, the NBC Sports Pub Pass offers commercial-free streaming of Premier League content, including the Summer Series.

Attending in Person

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com and PremierLeague.com, with pre-sales starting March 13, 2025, and general sales on March 14. A single ticket grants access to both matches in a doubleheader, offering excellent value. Fans are encouraged to buy early, as the 2023 event sold 250,000 tickets. Tailgating, fan zones, and community events will enhance the matchday experience, with Chicago’s Soldier Field hosting additional sports events like the Crosstown Classic around the same time.

Why the Premier League Summer Series Matters

The Premier League Summer Series is more than a pre-season tournament; it’s a celebration of football’s growing U.S. presence. Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard notes that American fans’ “bandwidth” for supporting multiple teams makes the U.S. a prime market. The series builds on the Premier League’s decade-long relationship with NBC Sports, fostering “generational storylines” that resonate with fans.

For players, it’s a chance to connect with global audiences, as Everton’s James Tarkowski emphasized the thrill of seeing the club’s reach in America. The tournament also aligns with major football events, following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and preceding the 2026 World Cup, positioning the U.S. as a football hub.

Challenges and Considerations

• Venue Logistics: Hosting in large NFL stadiums like MetLife requires complex coordination, especially for doubleheaders. Fans should plan for parking and entry, as advised by Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s guidelines.
• Team Preparation: Pre-season matches prioritize fitness over results, so fans may see rotated squads or experimental tactics, potentially affecting competitiveness.
• Ticket Demand: High demand could lead to sellouts, as seen in 2023’s 265,000 attendance, so early booking is essential.

Conclusion

The Premier League Summer Series 2025 promises to be a landmark event, bringing AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United to U.S. shores for six thrilling matches from July 26 to August 3. Hosted at MetLife Stadium, Soldier Field, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the tournament builds on the success of 2023’s inaugural edition, which saw Chelsea crowned champions. With NBC Sports’ comprehensive coverage, fan-friendly doubleheaders, and a festive atmosphere, the series is a must-see for American football fans. As the Premier League’s popularity surges in the U.S., the Summer Series strengthens the bond between clubs and their global supporters, setting the stage for the season. Whether you’re planning to attend in New Jersey, Chicago, or Atlanta, or streaming on Peacock, the Premier League Summer Series offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience world-class football. Secure your tickets via Ticketmaster.com, follow updates on PremierLeague.com, and join the celebration of England’s premier league in America’s iconic venues. Don’t miss out on this football spectacle mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable pre-season party!

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