West Ham could play in the USA as part of Premier League expansion plans for next summer

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West Ham United could potentially play in the USA as part of Premier League expansion plans for next summer.

The Hammers have a decent and growing following in the United States where “soccer” has become one of the big five sports.

With US businessmen increasingly involved with Premier League clubs – including West Ham where American billionaire Albert ‘Tripp’ Smith owns eight per cent – a drive to tap into that lucrative market has been inevitable.

West Ham have played pre-season matches in the USA previously.

And it seems that David Moyes and his West Ham side could be on their way over there next summer.

West Ham could play in the USA as part of Premier League expansion plans for next summer.

The Premier League is reportedly set to host a pre-season tournament with group stages in the USA next summer.

It is being reported that the Premier League is hoping six teams will agree to play in two groups across the US with a final and a trophy to conclude proceedings.

According to The Athletic, 14 sides are in favour of the idea, but it’s unclear if any are part of the so-called ‘Big Six’.

It seems that most of the six could be made up from the ‘other 14’, though, with Premier League bosses hoping at least one of the ‘Big Six’ will join the tournament “to add some glitz and glamour to the clashes”.

That would effectively mean West Ham could be a strong shout to take up one of the places.

Former striker and club ambassador Carlton Cole has just recently returned from a West Ham visit to Philadelphia where he met with US-based Hammers fans.

So that could be a big hint that West Ham are keen to grow their brand in America.

The Athletic suggests the pre-season tournament could be the first meaningful step towards playing Premier League matches abroad in the future – much like the NFL do with games here in London.

Premier League bosses are looking to expand into the North American market, while the US is looking to ramp up preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The US is hosting football’s biggest show alongside Canada and Mexico, but the final is expected to be hosted in the US.

The movie Green Street – based on West Ham and the club’s famed hooligan element – is massive in America.

And West Ham have also featured in an episode of The Simpsons.

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