With Serie A planning to stage a match in Australia and La Liga taking a fixture to the United States, the idea of Premier League games being played overseas has resurfaced. While Italy and Spain push their domestic leagues into global markets, England’s top flight has so far resisted, but the debate is gaining momentum, fueled by US ownership in English football and the growing commercialization of the sport.

Serie A and La Liga Take the Lead

Recently, AC Milan announced plans to play a home match against Como in Perth, more than 8,500 miles from the San Siro, while La Liga intends to stage Villarreal versus Barcelona at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in 2026. Both federations are seeking Fifa and Uefa approval, as playing domestic matches abroad previously faced strict restrictions.

Fifa itself has begun reconsidering its rules on overseas fixtures. A working group was established last year to study the impact of competitive domestic matches abroad, following a legal settlement in the US between Fifa and match promoter Relevant Sports. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters described the settlement as having “left the door ajar” for similar ideas in England.

The Premier League’s Position

Despite the international trend, the Premier League maintains that it has no plans to stage matches overseas. The league previously explored the infamous “39th game” concept under former chief executive Richard Scudamore, which would have involved a single fixture played abroad. The idea faced massive fan backlash in 2008 and was abandoned.

Several Premier League owners, however, have expressed interest in the concept. Liverpool chairman Tom Werner mentioned potential matches in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Riyadh, and Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, some American owners of English clubs—who also have stakes in US sports franchises—may see commercial potential in overseas fixtures. Yet, others, like Bournemouth owner Bill Foley, have publicly rejected the idea for regular season games.

Even within domestic cups, the idea has drawn cautious support. Birmingham City’s US owner, Tom Wagner, suggested overseas matches for domestic cup competitions might be “seriously considered” but distanced himself from moving league matches abroad. The UK government reportedly considered an amendment to the Football Governance Bill to prevent Premier League matches overseas, but ultimately chose not to act.

US Ownership and Commercial Pressure

The growing influence of US investors in the Premier League adds a new dimension to the debate. Currently, 11 clubs in the top flight are US-owned, close to the two-thirds threshold required to amend league rules. With a third of EFL clubs also partly or fully US-owned, and additional teams for sale or seeking investment, the possibility of overseas fixtures could increase if financial incentives align.

The financial allure is clear. US sports fans routinely pay premium ticket prices, with NFL matches averaging $132 (£105) per ticket. In a 60,000-seat stadium, similar to Tottenham’s NFL venue, revenue could reach £6.3 million per match, excluding merchandise and hospitality. For top clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham, whose home games already generate over £5 million each, the overseas market presents an opportunity to expand global reach and commercial returns.

Risks and Fan Concerns

However, staging Premier League matches abroad carries risks. Smaller clubs could lose the home advantage, as their majority of loyal fans would not travel to foreign venues. The atmosphere of a home stadium, often a critical factor in competitive success, could be diminished. With each Premier League place worth £3.5 million in prize money, any loss of competitive edge may outweigh potential commercial gains.

Niall Couper, CEO of football campaign group Fair Game, warned that ideas like a 39th game abroad could “prioritize global markets over local fans,” potentially transforming the Premier League into a global entertainment brand at the expense of its domestic roots. This sentiment resonates with many supporters who fear that commercialization might undermine the traditions and accessibility of English football.

Global Competition

Part of the push to take games overseas comes from other leagues seeking to compete financially and globally with the Premier League. La Liga, in particular, is focused on expanding its presence in the United States and the Middle East, leveraging the international appeal of clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Miami, with its strong Spanish-speaking community and status as a hub for global football, is seen as a prime destination to attract international attention and revenue.

Serie A’s move to Australia and La Liga’s US plans could gradually erode the Premier League’s traditional commercial edge. With 14 English clubs ranking in the global top 30 according to the Deloitte Money League, overseas fixtures by rival leagues may challenge the Premier League’s dominance as the most commercially successful domestic competition.

Looking Ahead

For now, the Premier League remains cautious. Richard Masters has reiterated there are no plans to stage regular season matches abroad, and some US owners, like Bill Foley, share this position. However, the combination of increasing American influence, the financial appeal of foreign markets, and the precedent set by Serie A and La Liga keeps the debate alive.

Ultimately, whether the Premier League will follow its rivals may depend on the balance between commercial incentives and preserving the integrity of domestic competition. Fans’ loyalty, club tradition, and the atmosphere of home stadiums remain central to the league’s identity. Any move overseas would need to carefully weigh financial gains against these deeply valued aspects of English football culture.