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English Premier League

The English Premier League, commonly called the Premier League or EPL, is the top tier of the English football league system.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The English Premier League, commonly called the Premier League or EPL, is the top tier of the English football league system. Founded in 1992, it features 20 clubs competing in a season that runs from August to May, with promotion and relegation linking it to the English Football League (EFL).

History

The Premier League was formed in 1992, replacing the old First Division as the top level of English football. It was created as an independent league and has since become one of the most watched football competitions in the world.

Competition format

The league consists of 20 clubs that play each other home and away for a total of 38 matches per team. The season usually runs from August to May, and standings are determined by total points.

Promotion and relegation

The Premier League sits at the top of the English football pyramid and uses promotion and relegation with the English Football League below it. This system links it to lower divisions and allows clubs to move between levels based on performance.

Records

Manchester United has won the most Premier League titles, with 13 championships since the league began. Since 1992, seven clubs have won the title, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Liverpool.

Key facts

  • The Premier League is England's highest-level men's football league.
  • It was established in 1992 after the top English clubs broke away from the Football League.
  • The competition has 20 clubs, and each team plays 38 matches per season.
  • Teams receive three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
  • Manchester United has won the most Premier League titles, with 13.
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Canadian context

The Premier League has a large Canadian audience, and Canadian players have competed in it over time, making it one of the most followed soccer leagues in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the English Premier League?
It is England’s top professional men’s football league and the highest level of the English football league system.
How many teams are in the Premier League?
There are 20 teams in the Premier League.
Premier League standings
The standings are the league table, ranked by points earned across the season. Teams get three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
Premier League schedule
The season usually runs from August to May, with each club playing 38 matches: home and away against every other team.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Manchester United has won the most Premier League titles, with 13.
Premier League top scorers
The all-time Premier League top scorer is Alan Shearer, with 260 goals.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premier_League
    Supports: Top-level English football league, 20 clubs, 38 matches per season, Manchester United title record.
  2. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/premier-league-explained
    Supports: 20 teams, August-to-May season, 380 matches, points system, title and winners history.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Premier-League
    Supports: Established in 1992; 20-club top tier of English football.
  4. FootballHistory.org — https://www.footballhistory.org/league/premier-league.html
    Supports: Top scorer Alan Shearer with 260 goals.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Football_League
    Supports: EFL was the top level until 1992; Premier League formed by top clubs splitting from it.