The status of football in the US has long been the subject of debate. Will the beautiful game 'take off' in the American market? Has it done so already? Is it, as is often the conclusion, 'on the brink' of doing so?
Whatever the situation, there is clearly a market for football in the States, and one with opportunities to expand. The recent progress of US exports like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams to the Premier League has only increased this, while the preparations are well underway for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico.
One man who can offer genuine insight is former Everton keeper Tim Howard, who now works on US TV network NBC's Premier League coverage. In his view, interest has already exploded: "The interest, the viewership, the ratings that we have at NBC for the Premier League are historic. People in America absolutely love European football. The World Cup will enhance that but it's at such a fever pitch at the moment, it's never been stronger. Everybody is mad for football."
