The Premier League has opted to cancel its plans for the Summer Series tour scheduled for later this year due to various logistical challenges. However, there are intentions to revive the series in 2025.
Reports from The Athletic revealed that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool were slated to compete against each other in the United States this summer.
This decision was influenced by the anticipation of market congestion in 2025 and 2026 due to the FIFA Club World Cup and the men’s World Cup.
Additionally, Chelsea and Manchester City, both treble-winners, were also expected to journey to the U.S. this summer, with discussions underway for a friendly match between the two clubs.
These tours are viewed as essential for engaging with burgeoning fan bases in a pivotal market. For example, Arsenal boasts more supporters’ clubs in the U.S. than there are states, while Manchester United engaged with over 4,000 supporters in club-affiliated events last summer.
The Athletic on Friday reported that the Summer Series has encountered several hurdles, including an ongoing dispute within the Premier League regarding the collective broadcast deal for showcasing the fixtures.
Some clubs generate substantial revenue by selling subscriptions to watch preseason fixtures on their platforms and believe they can secure more lucrative match fees independently.
However, the Premier League argues that exposing certain clubs, particularly those newer to the American market, can enhance the international value of the competition. Last summer’s edition of the series surpassed internal targets for ticket sales, with over 260,000 soccer fans attending matches in the U.S.
Although the league broadcasted the fixtures on NBC, this summer’s calendar is already occupied by coverage of the Copa America and the Olympic Games.
The Premier League had contemplated alternating the series between the U.S. and Asia. However, several clubs expressed dissatisfaction with the pitches in Asia and the challenging weather conditions, including flash floods.
Tottenham Hotspur is expected to be a prominent club touring Asia, although they made it clear to the Premier League that they would not participate in a summer series.
Last summer marked the inaugural Premier League Summer Series in the U.S., featuring Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford, Newcastle, Fulham, and Aston Villa, with matches held across Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, New Jersey, and Maryland.
