Even if you don’t watch football you've no doubt heard of the Premier League (aka EPL). Regularly cited as the best football league in the world, it is contested by the 20 best teams in Britain – and fans go absolutely bonkers about it. Why? Well, since you asked…
It is literally made for TV
Premier League was formed in 1992 for a number of reasons, which you can read more about here if you want a history lesson. One important factor driving the breakaway of the top 20 teams into their own league was the ability to negotiate a new, more lucrative deal for broadcast rights of the games. The teams got a big chunk of cash and that sum has only risen now it’s watched by over 600 million people in 200 or so countries around the world.
It features some of the best players in the game
All that money pouring in to the teams’ coffers allows them to spend more on recruitment. That’s why world class, household names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry have been part of the Premier League over the years.
2016-17 top goalscorer Harry Kane (right) in action. Source: Getty
There’s non-stop action on the field
But don’t take our word for it, here’s what SBS commentator Lucy Zelic has to say about the Premier League: “It has established itself as the leading football competition, bar none. Fans worldwide tune in by the millions to watch some of the greatest players produced participate in fast-paced and highly entertaining football matches every week. The coverage is compelling, well-crafted and produced beautifully.”
The crowds are crazy
We all know the Brits love their football. They write songs about it, make movies about it, and spend countless hours down at the pub dissecting every goal, save and red card. Pour all that enthusiasm into a stadium packed with cheering, jeering fans and you have a thrilling atmosphere that’s part-exciting, part-terrifying.
Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Source: Getty
There are Aussie players to cheer for
We all know Aussies like homegrown sports stars who make it big overseas – and Socceroos Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy are the latest players to make it in the big league. The pair will make their Premier League debuts this season for Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town respectively.
The action doesn’t end on the field – Premier League is a source of endless news stories and tabloid scandals
Premier League is the sport that keeps on giving. Aside from the games, you can become enmeshed in all the behind-the-scenes goss. Player transfers, manager firings, fantasy leagues, the newest WAGs... your Google Alert will be working overtime to keep you up to date.
The Premier League kicks off on Saturday, 12 August at 9.00pm AEST on SBS.
Live Match Coverage: Watford v Liverpool, from Vicarage Road, Watford
Eastern States (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS) – 9.00pm
South Australia and Northern Territory – 8.30pm
Western Australia – 7.00pm
Follow the conversation on social media: #SBSFootball
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