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Is The EPL Planning on Taking Over?
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Source: EPL
Over the past few years, we have seen the NFL expand to reach international markets, with games being played in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and in Mexico. But now it may be time for one of the world’s most popular leagues in the world’s most popular sport to expand globally.
Over recent weeks, the Premier League shareholders have been discussing the possibility of expanding the league to 39 games in a season to potentially go abroad to play an official league game in a country outside of the United Kingdom. The league would play one of their fixtures in a chosen country to allow international fans the opportunity to watch their favourite teams and favourite players compete, many for the first time. The marketing opportunities are crazy, as we’ve seen with the rise in NFL spectators and fans in the UK after the London games. The Premier League could go to countries like Australia, The US, China, Japan, South Africa, etc. And reap so many benefits. In a post-pandemic world of sport, this could be perfect.
However, the idea is likely to be shot down. The international play would mean an additional game would need to be played, meaning players would then be not only participating in the 38 games previous, domestic competitions, continental competitions, and even for the few, international games. The backlash to the workload on many players is already rising, and this would definitely cause some controversy.
Here at wwm, we look at more than just what the normal eye reads. Now, the marketing potential for the overseas competition would be amazing, but the impact domestically could cause more issues. You’d have season ticket holders not be able to see the game and miss out on their favourite teams competing. Now, “soccer” (it’s football), is a way of life in The UK, and taking that away could be detrimental to the teams in the Premier League. Yes, the teams would make money on the games like they all want to do, but it would affect the home fans more than they’d like. Fans most likely wouldn’t be happy, especially if that game is so important in deciding the title.
It may not be the best idea, but it sure would be good to see Man U vs Man City in the Michigan Stadium with over 100,000 fans. Maybe it could be time to introduce another tournament in the US or Asia that actually has incentive and meaning rather than the friendly competitions that already exist.
The Premier League is a globally recognized and followed competition, with massive globalization and expansion potential, but most importantly, you can’t forget your roots. England is football, and football is England, and the League cannot forget that.
Published: October 1st, 2021 - Issue 9 of The Sport Marketeer