The Premier League are planning a potential pre-season tour of the United States next summer, according to reports from The Athletic. The move is seen as the first step in creating meaningful games being played overseas as football looks to hit a more global market.
The report claims that the Premier League have no plans to move regular fixtures from the season abroad as things stand, though the move is seen as one to create competitive matches in the market. It comes amid reports suggesting UEFA could move Champions League ties to be played outside of Europe as a way to increase revenue as money from TV rights sold begins to slow.
The original proposal was set to be carried out during the summer just passed, but with obstacles surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, that wasn't possible. The idea is set to carry on into 2023 though, with the idea being that two groups of three Premier League sides would face off in round-robin friendlies.
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The matches could be played across both the East and West coast of America and would see multiple cities host games during that time. 14 sides are said to be willing to compete, though the "big six" are yet to decide on their involvement in the competition at this stage.
It means the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham could feature and while there is no major international tournament next summer, some of their biggest stars could be set to feature. Due to the opportunity, all three sides could benefit from a financial windfall if involved, with TV rights and attendances likely to skyrocket for the occasion.
The pre-season tours are something that all three have looked to benefit from, with the Gunners and the Blues taking a tour of America during the pre-season just passed. Chelsea in particular took the opportunity to show the relationship between themselves and new owners Boehly-Clearlake by collaborating with Todd Boehly, co-owner of MLB side LA Dodgers, although that tour had already been arranged before their takeover had been completed.
Spurs took a similar route but went to South Korea, where they are heavily supported due to having national superstar Son Heung-Min at their disposal. It remains to be seen if all three will be involved in the USA tour proposed, but it could prove a turning point in the globalisation of football matches.
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