A number of Premier League clubs are growing increasingly frustrated by the competition’s US-based Summer Series – and may even call for it to be scrapped.
Mail Sport understands officials at some top-flight sides are angered at the fact that the tournament is having to be propped up by central funds and believe those who do not take part should not be handing money over to those who do.
It can also also be disclosed that the inaugural version two years ago recorded a net loss of £5.4million.
Premier League insiders believe this year’s version will again record a loss, but that it will be less than that sustained two years ago.
This year, Manchester United, Everton, West Ham United and Bournemouth have crossed the Atlantic to take part in the competition, which is aimed at growing the international market and giving the US audience the opportunity to watch English sides in the flesh.
United are expected to make the most of those involved, at around £7.5m, thanks to the club’s bigger market share.
The Premier League uses its existing ‘central’ commercial partners to sponsor the competition, although some believe it is struggling to attract title sponsors, a claim it strongly denies. It does take hosting fees from the cities involved but the shortfall is made up from the central pot.
Some now believe that such a situation is untenable, with plans to raise the matter for discussion at the next shareholders’ meeting in September.
‘They’re expecting those not involved to prop it up to the tune of £250,000,’ said one, well-placed source. ‘That shouldn’t be happening.’
However, any attempt to end the competition is likely to be met with stiff opposition.
While the Premier League declined to comment, insiders were of the view that most clubs are supportive and ‘keen to take part’.
While there is an acknowledgment that cash from central funds is currently needed, they believe the tournament is part of a wider package that enables growth of the Premier League on an international basis – which in turn helps them reach the £4bn a year mark in revenue.
Revenue is also generated from ticket sales, merchandising and hospitality.
Sources also point out that 10 clubs have taken part in the first two editions and that the budget is signed off by clubs.
The tournament is also viewed as an opportunity for central sponsors and an asset for US broadcast partners NBC, which screens matches, although some clubs have voiced their view that the inability to screen pre-season games on their own channels is not desirable.
This year’s version is the second instalment of the series, which began in 2023. Last season no competition took place thanks to the Copa America, which took place in the US and was filmed by NBC and the impact of the Olympics, in Paris.
This summer’s event is taking place despite the fact that FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, hosted across the US, concluded earlier this month. Next year, the US will host the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Organisers had hoped for another big gun to take part alongside United, but with Manchester City and Chelsea in Club World Cup action, Liverpool and Arsenal both decided to launch their own tours elsewhere.
In 2023, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Brighton, Brentford and Fulham took part.
This year’s series kicked off with a double-header at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday. Some estimated as few as 10,000 were present to see Bournemouth defeat Everton 3-0, while that number had swelled to around 50,000 by the time United overcame West Ham 2-1.
