Premier League FAQ
The most commonly asked Premier League questions - answered clearly with facts, data and context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in the Premier League?
The Premier League has 20 teams. Each season, the bottom three clubs are relegated to the Championship and replaced by three promoted teams - the top two finishers and the winner of the Championship play-offs.
When did the Premier League start?
The Premier League started on 15 August 1992, when 22 clubs broke away from the old First Division to form a new top-flight competition. It was reduced to 20 teams in 1995-96. Manchester United won the inaugural title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Manchester United hold the record with 13 Premier League titles, all won under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1993 and 2013. Manchester City are second with 8 titles, including four in a row from 2021 to 2024. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have also lifted the trophy.
What is the Premier League trophy called?
The Premier League trophy is officially just called the Premier League Trophy. It was designed by Royal Jewellers Asprey of London and is made of sterling silver and 24-carat gold. It weighs 25kg and features a gold crown topped with a malachite plinth. A new crown was added in 2004.
How does Premier League relegation work?
The three clubs that finish bottom of the 20-team Premier League table at the end of the season are relegated to the Championship. They are replaced by the top two Championship finishers and the winner of the play-offs (involving clubs who finished 3rd to 6th). Relegated clubs receive parachute payments to soften the financial impact.
How much do Premier League players earn?
Premier League wages vary enormously. Top earners at the biggest clubs can earn £300,000–£400,000 per week, while squad players at smaller clubs may earn £20,000–£50,000 per week. The average Premier League salary is estimated at around £75,000 per week. Player wages make up the single largest cost for every Premier League club.
Who are the Big Six?
The 'Big Six' refers to the six wealthiest and historically most successful Premier League clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. These clubs typically dominate the top of the table, account for the highest revenues, and attract the biggest global fanbases.
How are Premier League fixtures decided?
Premier League fixtures are generated by a computer system that accounts for various constraints - including stadium availability, local police requirements, proximity of rival grounds, and TV scheduling. Each team plays every other team twice (home and away) for a total of 38 matches per season. The exact fixture list is published before the season begins.
What is VAR in football?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. Introduced to the Premier League in 2019-20, it allows match officials to review decisions using video replays for four categories: goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. The on-field referee can be advised to check the pitchside monitor or the VAR can recommend a decision directly.
What is goal difference?
Goal difference is the number of goals a team has scored minus the number of goals they have conceded. It is the primary tiebreaker when teams are level on points in the Premier League table. For example, if a team has scored 60 goals and conceded 35, their goal difference is +25. If teams are also level on goal difference, goals scored is used next.
Who has scored the most Premier League goals?
Alan Shearer holds the all-time record with 260 Premier League goals, scored for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United between 1992 and 2006. Harry Kane is second with 213 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, and Wayne Rooney third with 208 goals for Everton and Manchester United.
Explore More
For a deep dive into the numbers, explore our Premier League Records section. See the all-time top scorers, browse the complete winners list, or check out every Golden Boot winner since 1992.
You can also browse full season archives on our Premier League page, including final league tables, top scorers and season reviews going back to the very first campaign.