Premier League - Summer Series (England) 2025/26

Premier League - Summer Series

The Premier League - Summer Series is a pre-season exhibition tournament organized by the English Premier League. It operates outside the official English football pyramid. The event does not involve promotion or relegation and serves as a commercial and preparatory fixture for participating clubs. The series is typically held in the United States, functioning as an international tour designed to engage global fans.

The competition was founded in 2023. The inaugural edition took place in July of that year, featuring six clubs playing a round-robin format. Chelsea secured the title in the first tournament. The 2024 edition was cancelled, but the series returned the following year with four teams in a similar structure. Manchester United won the 2025 title.

The 2026 edition features Leeds United, Liverpool, Sunderland, and Wrexham. The format remains a four-team round-robin. Leeds United won the 2026 title on goal difference after drawing points with Liverpool. They secured the victory with a 4-2 win over Liverpool in their final match.

The series is distinct from the official Premier League season. It provides clubs with preparation time without the pressure of competitive standings. The tournament allows teams to test strategies and integrate players before the main campaign. Participation varies by year, with the number of clubs changing between editions. The 2023 edition had six teams, while subsequent editions have reduced to four.

The competition offers a platform for clubs to showcase their squads in an international setting. It generates revenue through ticket sales and broadcasting deals. The event helps build relationships with supporters in markets outside England. The series has become a regular feature in the pre-season calendar for many English clubs.

The 2026 tournament marks the third time the series has been held. Leeds United's victory demonstrates the competitive nature of the event. All matches are friendlies, with no points carried over to the official league. The format ensures each team plays every other participant once. Results are determined by standard football rules, including goal difference for tied positions.