Premier League Summer Series 2025: American Soccer Fever Reaches New Heights
The surging popularity of the Premier League in the United States is set to explode further with the announcement of the 2025 Premier League Summer Series. Four prominent clubs – Manchester United, Everton, West Ham United, and AFC Bournemouth – will embark on a pre-season tour across America, participating in three doubleheaders at some of the nation’s most iconic sporting venues. This rare opportunity allows American fans to witness their favorite teams and players up close, further solidifying the Premier League’s presence in the burgeoning US soccer landscape.
The Summer Series signifies more than just a friendly exhibition; it’s a strategic move to capitalize on the growing American appetite for top-tier soccer. Tim Howard, a celebrated 13-year Premier League veteran and former US Men’s National Team (USMNT) goalkeeper, emphasizes the unique capacity of American sports fans to embrace multiple teams and leagues. "I’ve always said the American sports fan has the bandwidth to support another team," Howard stated. "Across the world, people don’t, we’re just brought up that way. And for the players, it’s a reminder of just how global the Premier League has become."
Everton defender James Tarkowski echoed Howard’s sentiment, highlighting the excitement of connecting with international fans. "It’s great to get out and see fans far and wide," Tarkowski told USA TODAY Sports. "We get to experience it at home and around England, but to see how far this club travels globally – it’s an amazing experience.” This connection between players and fans is crucial in fostering long-term loyalty and solidifying the Premier League’s fanbase across the Atlantic.
The Summer Series will kick off on July 26th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a venue renowned for hosting major sporting events, including the home games of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets. Notably, MetLife Stadium is also slated to host the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup final. This distinction places MetLife Stadium in an elite category, joining the Rose Bowl as the only venues globally to have hosted both a Super Bowl and a World Cup final, cementing its status as a premier sporting destination.
Following the opening matches in New Jersey, the series will move to Chicago’s historic Soldier Field on July 30th. The series will then culminate in Atlanta on August 3rd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, another state-of-the-art facility. Atlanta will also play a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup, hosting a total of eight matches, including three knockout stage games, with one being a coveted semifinal.
Tarkowski expressed his excitement about playing in American stadiums, acknowledging their prominence in other sports. "Stadiums in America are something I’ve seen on the tele, obviously American football and MLS," he said. "It’s a great opportunity personally – but also as a club – to get out there and experience that." The opportunity to play in these iconic venues not only provides a unique experience for the players but also showcases the Premier League on a grand scale to American audiences.
Howard, drawing from his experience playing for Manchester United and Everton, recalled past pre-season tours in the U.S., acknowledging their contribution to the league’s current popularity. He emphasized that those early tours, even when playing in front of smaller crowds, were "building blocks" that paved the way for the Premier League’s current success.
A critical factor in the league’s growth in America is the consistent broadcast coverage provided by NBC Sports, which has held the league’s TV rights for over a decade. Howard credits this continuity with fostering "awareness, knowledge and understanding" of the league’s structure, including its 38-game season that spans from August to May. This sustained presence has allowed for the development of "generational storylines," with fans becoming invested in teams, players, and rivalries. “People want to see teams and players and villains and heroes,” Howard explained.
The 2025 Summer Series is strategically positioned within a broader landscape of major soccer events taking place in the United States. It will follow closely after the FIFA Club World Cup, a revamped tournament featuring a significant prize pool and 32 teams from around the world, including current Premier League champions, Manchester City.
This flurry of soccer activity is designed to build momentum leading up to the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. Howard believes this is no accident. "There’s so much soccer to be consumed. That’s by design," Howard asserted. "You look at what FIFA and the governing bodies have done, realizing that America is primed and ready to support that much soccer."
The convergence of these events signifies a pivotal moment for soccer in America, with the country poised to become a global hub for the sport. Howard articulated his vision, saying, "I don’t know if I ever envisioned the day – maybe I dreamt it – where we would have so much soccer over the course of a couple years in our own backyard."
NBC Sports will provide extensive coverage of the Summer Series, broadcasting every game, with one match per day airing on NBC and all six games streaming on Peacock. This widespread availability ensures that fans across the country can easily access the action.
Fans eager to secure their tickets to the Premier League Summer Series can register now to gain access to a pre-sale starting on March 13th. General ticket sales will commence on March 14th, offering all fans the opportunity to witness the excitement of Premier League soccer on American soil. The USA TODAY app will also provide comprehensive coverage of the event, offering breaking news, analysis, and more. The app will get you "to the heart of the news — fast" with their award-winning coverage. The Summer Series represents a landmark occasion for soccer in the United States, signaling its continued growth and cementing its place in the hearts of American sports fans.
