Premier League viewership in US up 20 percent among young Americans

What the report says

English Premier League viewership in the United States has risen notably among younger Americans, according to Nielsen Sports data cited by Reuters and published by Al Jazeera. The figures show a 20 percent increase in viewing among 18- to 34-year-olds so far this season, a trend linked to momentum from the World Cup hosted by the US and other North American nations this year.

The report said US broadcasters NBC and USA Network have averaged about 500,000 viewers per Premier League match so far this season, up 3 percent overall. Nielsen Sports global general manager Jon Stainer said the World Cup helped broaden the league’s audience, with growth extending across younger and more diverse viewers and carrying into other competitions.

Among the most-watched games in the US this season was Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 home loss to Newcastle United on August 29, which drew just over one million viewers. Tottenham also appeared in two other matches among the six most-watched Premier League games in the country this season, underscoring how certain clubs can drive American interest.

The article also said Major League Soccer saw a similar lift in exposure ahead of the World Cup, with interest up 23 percent among 16- to 34-year-olds. More broadly, Nielsen Fan Insights found World Cup interest peaked at 87 million fans in July, with women making up 44 percent of the fanbase.