The Premier League has seen huge growth in the United States in recent years. What was once a Saturday-morning habit for the biggest football fans is now a mainstream sports and media entertainment. It sits comfortably alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
Broadcast deals have played a huge role in the growth of this fanbase. NBC’s Premier League coverage, launched in 2013, completely changed accessibility.
By 2023, the network was reporting record viewership figures, with average match audiences regularly reaching 500,000 and marquee games bringing in well over a million viewers.
Attendance numbers tell a similar story. Premier League clubs are now able to sell out NFL stadiums during summer tours, while supporter groups are packed into bars from New York to Los Angeles for 7:00 kick-offs.
According to recent research, interest in the Premier League among American sports fans has more than doubled over the past decade. That growth has not been evenly shared between clubs, though.
Certain clubs have captured the attention of US-based football fans far more successfully than others.
In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most popular Premier League teams in the United States and the impact of pre-season tournaments.
The most popular Premier League teams in the United States:
Manchester United
Despite their post-Ferguson struggles, Manchester United remains the Premier League’s biggest club in America. Their fanbase began to grow early, during the league’s global expansion in the late 1990s and 2000s.
This was when US viewers were first exposed to consistent Premier League coverage. United’s success back then was watched closely, and their titles, brilliant players, and Champions League nights created loyalty that has stuck around since.
United also invested heavily in the US market. Pre-season tours, aggressive commercial partnerships, and local events made the club feel relatable to American supporters. For many fans, United was their “first club,” and many have kept up those earlier emotional ties. Despite disappointing results over recent seasons, and now even being outsiders to qualify for the Champions League in the Premier League betting odds, fans in the US have remained loyal and are hoping for the glory days to return once again.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s US popularity grew rapidly during the Jürgen Klopp era. Success played a huge part in their Champions League wins, Premier League title, and high-intensity football that translated well to casual viewers. But their story was just as important. Liverpool’s history, anthem, and sense of identity resonate strongly with the sports culture in the US.
Fenway Sports Group’s ownership has also helped. There is the Red Sox connection, which means that Liverpool benefited from exposure and smart branding.
Their summer tours routinely drew massive crowds, and Liverpool supporter groups are now among the largest and most organised across the country.
Arsenal
Arsenal have also managed to build one of the strongest US fanbases in the league. They benefited early from playing attractive football and from Arsène Wenger’s long tenure.
This helped as it gave the club a consistent identity. Over the last few years, a young and energetic squad, as well as a title challenge, has created interest.
Arsenal have also been brilliant at creating a sense of community spirit. Their US tours consistently include fan-driven events rather than just highly paid appearances. Cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles now have enormous Arsenal viewing communities.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s US popularity grew significantly during Abramovich’s time. Regular trophies, some big-name signings, and their Champions League match performance have made them big news in sports reporting.
Their link to American owners in recent years has further increased the conversation around the club in the US.
However, fluctuating results and constant squad turnover have slightly impacted momentum. Chelsea still has a huge fanbase, but many fans feel a sense of uneasiness as they wait for stability.
Manchester City
Manchester City is one of the fastest-rising Premier League clubs in the US. Their success is the main driver, with a huge collection of titles and records.
The Pep Guardiola era has helped introduce Manchester City to a new base of young fans. Their brand has been carefully positioned, particularly through the City Football Group, academies, and their US-based partnerships.
What City lacks in long-term emotional history, it makes up for in visibility. Younger fans take notice of obvious talent, and City currently embodies that.
Why these clubs have succeeded in the US
Winning matters, but it is not everything. Timing, accessibility, and narrative also play massive roles. Clubs that toured the US early, embraced broadcast opportunities, and invested in supporter culture planted roots that newer teams are not able to match.
Visibility is also very important. Social media engagement, affordable merchandise shipping, and local fan chapters helped reduce the distance between these English teams and American fans.
Also, the Premier League Summer Series has had a big impact. Running official league-branded matches in US cities gives fans competitive fixtures rather than exhibition-style games.
Early versions of it have been extremely well attended, with strong TV ratings and sell-out crowds in big cities like New York, Atlanta, and Orlando.
