Four Premier League clubs—Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United—are set to take part in the second Premier League Summer Series, returning to the United States for pre-season matches this July. This announcement was made on March 9, 2025, during halftime of the match between Manchester United and Arsenal, broadcasted live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters expressed his excitement, stating, "We know from our previous tournament and Premier League Mornings Live events, we and our clubs have incredibly loyal and passionate fans in the U.S. who get up early to follow their teams during the season. We aim to provide fans with the opportunity to see world-class players and managers firsthand just before the season kicks off." The series aims to cater to the growing demand for English football stateside.
The Summer Series kicks off on July 26, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. This opening day will feature Everton competing against Bournemouth, alongside Manchester United facing off against West Ham United.
Chicago's Soldier Field will be the stage for the second set of matches on July 30, 2025, where West Ham will take on Everton and Manchester United will clash against Bournemouth. Notably, glancing at historical ties, United last played at Soldier Field back in 2011 against the Chicago Fire.
The series will wrap up at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 3, 2025, where Bournemouth will challenge West Ham, followed by Manchester United against Everton. This match marks United's first game ever to be played in the state of Georgia.
Everton's defender James Tarkowski commented on the anticipation surrounding the matches, stating, "Being part of this series is super exciting for us as players and the team. We know there are plenty of fans waiting for us when we get there this summer." His sentiments echo the enthusiasm felt across the teams about connecting with fans during this series.
Three of the participating clubs have American ownership, establishing connections even before the matches commence. The Friedkin Group acquired Everton last fall, the Glazer family—part owners of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers—controls Manchester United, and William Foley owns Bournemouth alongside the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
Among the notable players participating, U.S. national team midfielder Tyler Adams will be playing for Bournemouth. Adams, who served as the captain for the U.S. during the 2022 World Cup, has been with the club for his first season, showcasing his talent with three assists over 17 matches.
The previous Summer Series, held in 2023, included six clubs—Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United—each playing three games over nine matches. Chelsea emerged as the winning team with two wins and one draw.
Tim Howard, NBC analyst and former footballer, spoke on the positive impact last year's Summer Series had on the season, noting, "The manager has very little time to get everybody on the same page. All the work done throughout this series accounts for the tactical, fitness, and technical aspects needed for the season. It helped us analyze teams effectively and communicate openly with managers and players, which is insightful for our audience."
Not only does this series promote the clubs and spotlight their talents, but it also provides fans with access to top Premier League clubs, setting the stage for thrilling matches. Indeed, as the excitement builds, fans eager to witness these matches can mark their calendar for key ticket sales dates; pre-sale begins on March 13, 2025, at 12 PM ET, with general sales following on March 14, 2025, at 10 AM ET, through the official Premier League website.
Manchester United's Technical Director, Jason Wilcox, emphasized the importance of these pre-season fixtures, stating, "The weeks leading up to the new Premier League season are always thrilling for Manchester United players and fans alike. It’s fantastic to prepare with some world-class facilities and engage with fans. Facing off with other Premier League teams not only allows players to gain valuable playing time but lets our passionate supporters enjoy live football with some of the most renowned clubs globally."
Overall, the series serves to energize the clubs and their fans alike, bridging the gap between English football and its passionate American audience. Football continues to grow in the U.S. and as these clubs prepare for another competitive season, they look forward to sharing the experience with their loyal fan bases.