The English Premier League (EPL) continues to solidify its status as the world’s most popular soccer league. Recent data reveals that an astounding 1.87 billion people worldwide follow the Premier League, engaging with its content at least weekly across various media platforms. This immense global following underscore the league’s unparalleled reach and influence. Notably, the EPL is broadcast in 189 countries, reaching 900 million homes, which highlights its expansive international appeal. Rising Premier League Popularity in the USA – In the United States, this burgeoning interest is particularly evident, with record-breaking viewership numbers and a rapidly growing fan base. This surge in popularity aligns seamlessly with the nation’s escalating enthusiasm for soccer, especially as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. Concurrently, the flourishing sports betting landscape is unlocking new iGaming opportunities for both fans and operators. In this post, we’ll delve into the factors fuelling the EPL’s rising prominence in the U.S., examine the role of media and streaming services in enhancing engagement, explore the implications for Premier League betting and iGaming trends, and assess how the 2026 World Cup could further amplify soccer betting in the USA.
The Growing U.S. Audience for the Premier League
Interest in the EPL has never been higher in America. Consider some eye-opening statistics and trends illustrating this growth:
- Record TV Viewership: The 2023/24 Premier League season was the most-watched ever in the U.S. NBC Sports averaged 546,000 viewers per match window on television – a 4% increase from the previous year and an all-time high. Six of the seven most-watched EPL games in U.S. history occurred in that season, including a March clash between Manchester City and Arsenal that became the first English-language broadcast to exceed 2 million U.S. viewers. Even the season’s final day “Championship Sunday” drew an unprecedented 2.9 million viewers across NBC’s platforms.
- Surging Fan Base: The fanbase for soccer is expanding rapidly. Recent research found the number of Americans who became soccer fans within the last year is up an astonishing 400% year-over-year. In fact, new fans (those following the sport for five years or less) grew by 57% compared to the year prior. Much of this spike is attributed to excitement for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, as well as a young, diverse, and digitally engaged demographic embracing soccer.
- Star Players & Local Ties: The presence of global superstars and American players in the Premier League has helped draw U.S. eyes. When U.S. star Christian Pulisic featured for Chelsea, he became a household name among American sports fans. Additionally, many Premier League clubs now have American owners or partnerships, which raises their profile in the States.
The Role of Media & Streaming Services
One of the biggest catalysts for the EPL’s U.S. surge is media exposure and streaming access:
- NBC & Peacock: NBC broadcasts dozens of matches live on its networks (NBC, USA Network, Telemundo) and streams every game through Peacock. Peacock’s exclusive match viewership quadrupled compared to the prior season, drawing a record 1.15 million viewers for a single match.
- Social Media Growth: The Premier League’s digital footprint in the U.S. has exploded. NBC Sports’ soccer accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram saw video views skyrocket 122% in 2023/24 vs. the previous year.
Betting Trends & iGaming Opportunities
The rise of the Premier League in the U.S. isn’t just a sports media story – it’s also an iGaming story:
- Explosive Sports Betting Growth: Sports betting is now legal in 38 U.S. states plus D.C., and Americans are embracing it. In 2024 alone, U.S. bettors placed nearly $148 billion in sports bets.
- Premier League Betting Action: U.S. sportsbooks see a flurry of wagers on EPL matches, from moneyline bets to live in-game wagers. The morning kick-off times (Eastern Time) give bettors an early start, often complementing their action on other sports later in the day.
- Partnerships with EPL Clubs: U.S. sportsbook giant BetMGM signed sponsorship deals with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while DraftKings and FanDuel are expanding EPL-related content and marketing tie-ups.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup & Its Impact on U.S. Soccer Growth
- World Cup Hype Boosting EPL Interest: The World Cup is the world’s biggest sporting event. The 2022 tournament saw record U.S. soccer betting activity, and excitement for 2026 is expected to create new, long-term Premier League fans.
- More American Stars Abroad: By 2026, the U.S. men’s national team will have many key players competing in Europe’s top leagues, increasing American interest in EPL clubs.
- Betting Boom in 2026: During the 2022 World Cup, Americans placed over $100 million in bets on Team USA’s matches. By 2026, with even more states legalizing sports betting, expect record-breaking EPL betting engagement.
Conclusion: A New Era for Premier League and iGaming
Rising Premier League Popularity in the USA – The Premier League’s American invasion is in full swing, transforming the iGaming and sports betting landscape in the process. Are you ready to join the excitement?
Check out EPLbets.com for more insights and betting guides. Let us know in the comments – which Premier League club are you rooting for, and how do you see the World Cup influencing soccer’s popularity in the USA? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Join the conversation and the action – the world’s game is becoming America’s new favourite betting playground. Game on!
