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Professional soccer

Premier League Chief Tony Bloom on Overseas Fixtures and Player Experience

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tony Bloom, the chair of the Premier League, has expressed reservations about taking Premier League fixtures overseas. In contrast, he welcomes pre-season tournaments and highlights the benefits of participating in such events. The Italian and Spanish leagues have been exploring international friendlies as part of their efforts to increase global visibility and revenue. Meanwhile, the Premier League has hosted several pre-season tournaments, including the Premier League Series.

Bloom acknowledged that hosting pre-season tournaments abroad can be beneficial, as the Premier League Series in 2023 saw Brighton and Hove Albion play against top-tier teams in the USA. The team's experience in the summer of 2023 was "great" according to Bloom, with matches against Chelsea, Brentford, and Newcastle in various US cities. The trip allowed the team to engage with a growing fanbase in the US and with partners and sponsors. Bloom expressed enthusiasm for future participation in the Premier League Series, stating that it would be "massively rewarding" for the club.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tony Bloom opposes taking Premier League fixtures overseas, preferring to stick with the existing schedule.
  • However, Bloom welcomes pre-season tournaments, as seen with the Premier League Series, and would like to bring Brighton and Hove Albion back into the fold.
  • Italian and Spanish leagues are exploring international friendlies to boost interest and revenue.
  • Albion played three friendlies in the USA in summer 2023, against Chelsea, Brentford, and Newcastle, and engaged with a growing fanbase.
  • The Premier League has hosted pre-season tournaments in the past, including the Premier League Series in 2023.
  • Bloom emphasizes the importance of engaging with fans, partners, and sponsors through international events.

Statistics:

  • 3 friendlies played by Brighton and Hove Albion in the USA in summer 2023.
  • 75 staff involved in the Albion team's USA trip in 2023.
  • 3 Premier League teams played in the Premier League Series in 2023 (Chelsea, Brentford, and Newcastle).
  • 1 full-on trip to the USA taken by Albion in summer 2023, with 3 matches played.
  • 1 behind-closed-doors short-haul camp taken by Albion in summer 2024 in Marbella.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Brian Owen Tony Bloom says the Premier League do not need to take fixtures overseas. But he welcomes pre-season tournaments and would like to get Albion involved again. Spain and Italy are looking further afield in their bid to spread the word and boost interest and income as they play catch-up with the Premier League."
  • Tony Bloom, quoted in the article.

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