The league is renowned for its intensity, unpredictability and global fan base. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have dominated in recent decades, but the title race regularly produces surprises. The 2015/16 season, when Leicester City won the title at odds of 5000/1, remains one of sport's greatest upsets.

Premier League clubs attract the world's best players and managers, funded by lucrative broadcast deals that make it the richest football league on the planet. Matches are broadcast in 188 countries, drawing an estimated global audience of 4.7 billion people per season.

The top four clubs qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while fifth and sixth place can earn Europa League spots. Relegation to the Championship carries enormous financial consequences, making the battle at the bottom as fierce as the title race at the top.