When people think of Pennsylvania sports, they usually think of thunderous NFL arenas, heated college football rivalries, or rabid fans filling Citizens Bank Park or PPG Paints Arena. But beneath the clang of pad and baseball bat whacking, another sport has been gaining ground silently but irresistibly: English football, or soccer—that is, the Premier League.
Although the Premier League has been a staple for international soccer spectators for decades, its growth in America—Pennsylvania in particular—is more evident than ever. No longer immigrants or hardcore niche devotees, suburban pubs along Philadelphia and Pittsburgh streets wake up early on weekends to broadcast live matches, drawing an integrated crowd of young adults, college students, and even families.
What is driving the change? There are a few factors that are particularly interesting. One, globalisation of sport via social media, YouTube videos, and streaming platforms has introduced the Premier League into homes to an unprecedented extent. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are names on every household's lips now. With the greater presence in English football of U.S.-based owners, some American fans already feel more connected to the league.
Others are drawn by the intense rivalries, shiny stars, and promotion and relegation sideshow drama—all unavailable to American sports.
And then there is sports betting growth. It's not the prime motivator for fandom, but it has definitely added fuel to the fire all the same. Legalisations in Pennsylvania in 2019 have seen online sports betting explode, and with that expansion has come wider access to global markets. As Premier League bets are now a standard feature on a number of betting apps, engaging popular game followers in the subtlest aspects of global football through the prism of a bet.
But Pennsylvanians don't just stick to wagering on it—they watch it, stream it, and even make the pilgrimage for it. Philadelphia, of all cities, has emerged as a hub for Premier League passion, with groups like the Sons of Ben hosting regular watch parties. Fado Irish Pub and Misconduct Tavern, among other popular establishments, are jammed early on match days, their matchday culture evoking that of the UK.
The state's massive network of universities and foreign students plays a part in the attraction. Youth in towns like State College, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia are plentiful—many of them soccer fans from far-flung places who carry their loyalties with them. That group has driven the Premier League from cult appeal to Saturday/Sunday afternoon routine.
Teenagers who play soccer are increasing in numbers as well. Soccer academies and youth clubs across Pennsylvania are adding more European-style training, and local kids are just as likely to admire Erling Haaland or Bukayo Saka as they are to worship Bryce Harper or Kenny Pickett. Soccer is no longer viewed as a kid's sport—it's part of a larger sporting experience for many.
It's important to remember that this growth doesn't always translate to the NFL and college football losing share. The Eagles and Steelers remain well-liked, and football remains atop TV ratings and sportsbook handle. But the Premier League is not trying to compete head-on; instead, it's found a complementary niche—morning games earlier in the day, mid-week games, and a completely different seasonal rhythm.
