Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United will participate in preseason matches held in the United States as part of the Premier League Summer Series, marking its return for the second time. These teams will engage in three doubleheaders this summer, gearing up for the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season. The announcement coincided with the halftime interval of the match between Manchester United and Arsenal.
“We are aware from our prior tournament and Premier League Mornings Live events that our clubs have extraordinarily loyal and passionate supporters in the U.S., who diligently follow their teams despite challenging time zones,” stated Richard Masters, Premier League CEO. “These four clubs boast world-class talents and managers who will undeniably offer fans an exhilarating Premier League spectacle right before the new season commences.”
The series kicks off on July 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is slated to host the 2026 World Cup final. Everton will go head-to-head with Bournemouth, while Manchester United will encounter West Ham United. Continuing on July 30 at Chicago’s Soldier Field, West Ham United is set to clash with Everton, and Manchester United will face Bournemouth.
Concluding the series on August 3, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will serve as the venue where Bournemouth takes on West Ham United and Manchester United competes against Everton. Everton defender James Tarkowski expressed excitement, noting, “Being a part of this series is incredibly thrilling for us as players and as a team. We are aware of the crowds of fans waiting for our arrival in the summer.”
Among these teams, three have American owners. The Friedkin Group took control of Everton in the latter part of last year, while the Glazer family, also owners of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, possesses Manchester United. William Foley, the owner of Bournemouth, also owns the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Tyler Adams, a U.S. national team midfielder who led the 2022 World Cup squad, is in his initial season with Bournemouth and has recorded three assists in 17 matches.
In the 2023 Summer Series, six clubs participated, including Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United, playing a total of three games apiece. The nine matches were held at five different venues, and Chelsea emerged victoriously with two wins and a draw.
NBC analyst Tim Howard noted that insights gained from observing the initial Summer Series proved beneficial throughout the subsequent season when analyzing the Premier League. All six upcoming matches will be available for streaming on Peacock, with broadcasts of two matches on NBC.
“The manager has minimal time to synchronize, share ideas, and build the groundwork from a fitness, tactical, and technical perspective,” Howard explained. “Throughout the season, this groundwork is fundamental as we observe and refer back to it. Moreover, we have opportunities to discuss with managers and players, who are transparent and forthcoming with us. This openness greatly aids us in dissecting and analyzing teams comprehensively.”
