West Ham United spent summer 2025 traversing the United States for the Premier League Summer Series — a club juggling fan protests, significant debt, and an unusual roster of celebrity supporters. This guide maps out what we know, what remains fuzzy, and why it matters heading into the 2025–26 season.

West Ham United founded: 1895 · Home stadium: London Stadium · 2025-26 pre-season friendlies announced: 17 July 2025 · Net debt (2023-24): £98.5 million · Most famous fan (estimated global reach): Katy Perry (200M+ social followers)

The key facts table below consolidates West Ham’s basic information alongside pre-season details.

Are Premier League summer series friendlies?

The Premier League Summer Series is a competitive set of friendly matches played in the United States between select Premier League clubs. According to the Premier League official governing body, these remain exhibition fixtures that do not count toward the 2025–26 Premier League table. West Ham United participated in the 2025 edition alongside Manchester United, Everton and Bournemouth, with matches staged in major US venues to grow the league’s fanbase in North America.

What is the Premier League Summer Series?

The Summer Series launched in 2023 as an annual US-based pre-season tournament featuring Premier League clubs. The 2025 edition ran from 26 July to 3 August 2025 at venues including MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Sky Sports sports broadcaster with UK broadcast rights scheduled all matches for live UK coverage.

How do friendlies differ from competitive matches?

Pre-season friendlies like those in the Summer Series serve as preparation games, allowing clubs to build fitness, test tactics, and integrate new players before the league campaign begins. Unlike competitive fixtures, results do not affect league standings, and squads often rotate heavily. West Ham United official club announcement explicitly labels their US tour matches as pre-season friendlies.

Why are West Ham fans boycotting the game?

West Ham United supporters have organized boycotts and protests at matches, primarily over ticket pricing, ownership decisions, and concerns about the club’s direction. BBC Sport national public broadcaster has covered demonstrations at matches, highlighting fan frustration with rising costs and perceived lack of communication from the board. The protests intensified during the 2024–25 season and have carried into discussions around the 2025–26 campaign.

What are the reasons behind West Ham fan protests?

Core grievances include rising ticket prices at the London Stadium, the club’s ownership structure, and decisions around the move from the Boleyn Ground in 2016. Supporters have cited reduced atmosphere and increased commercialization as key concerns. Multiple fan groups have organized coordinated boycotts of specific fixtures, with social media campaigns amplifying their message.

How has the club responded to fan boycotts?

West Ham United’s official communications have acknowledged fan feedback while defending their commercial decisions. The club has emphasized investment in the squad and infrastructure, though critics argue these gains do not offset the loss of community feel. The relationship between the board and supporter groups remains strained, with no formal resolution announced as of early 2026.

Who is the most famous West Ham supporter?

Katy Perry tops the list of West Ham’s most famous fans, with an estimated global reach exceeding 200 million social media followers. The pop superstar has been photographed wearing West Ham colours and has publicly declared her support for the club. Other notable celebrity supporters include former US President Barack Obama, actor Matt Damon, and author J.K. Rowling.

Which celebrities support West Ham United?

West Ham’s celebrity supporter roster spans entertainment, politics, and sports. Katy Perry’s involvement has brought significant media attention to the club, particularly during high-profile moments. Barack Obama referenced his fondness for the Hammers during a UK visit, while Matt Damon has ties to the East London area through film projects. Wikipedia comprehensive encyclopedic reference documents several notable fans across various sectors.

Is Katy Perry a West Ham fan?

Yes, Katy Perry has confirmed her support for West Ham United through multiple public appearances and social media posts. Her global profile has made her one of the club’s most recognizable ambassadors, particularly valuable for West Ham’s expansion efforts in North America during the Summer Series.

How much debt is West Ham in?

West Ham United reported net debt of £98.5 million in their 2023-24 financial statements. This figure places the club among the more heavily indebted Premier League sides, though not the highest in the league. The debt burden influences transfer market activity, wage structures, and long-term strategic planning.

What is West Ham’s current debt level?

The £98.5 million net debt figure represents the club’s cumulative borrowing minus cash reserves as of the 2023-24 financial year. This includes stadium-related financing from the move to the London Stadium in 2016, which significantly expanded the club’s matchday revenue but also increased fixed costs. Financial reports indicate the debt is structured across medium and long-term instruments.

How does West Ham’s debt compare to other Premier League clubs?

While some Premier League clubs carry significantly higher debt loads — Manchester United and Chelsea have historically reported larger figures — West Ham’s £98.5 million remains substantial relative to their revenue base. The Hammers’ position in the middle tier of club debt reflects both the stadium investment and challenges in matching top-six revenue generation.

When is West Ham playing next?

West Ham United’s next confirmed fixture is their Premier League opener against Sunderland away on 16 July 2025. For pre-season results, the Hammers drew 1–1 with Lille on 9 August 2025 before winning the penalty shoot-out, according to BBC Sport national public broadcaster.

West Ham friendlies today

For the most current friendlies and results, West Ham United official club website publishes the official pre-season schedule. The club’s pre-season programme included matches against Manchester United (26 July 2025, MetLife Stadium, 7pm ET kick-off), Everton (30 July 2025, Soldier Field, 5.30pm CT), and Lille (9 August 2025).

West Ham match today on TV

Pre-season friendlies in the Premier League Summer Series were broadcast live in the UK by Sky Sports. Sky Sports UK sports broadcaster with Premier League rights provided coverage of all Summer Series matches including West Ham’s fixtures in the US.

West Ham United 2025–26 Pre-Season Timeline

The Hammers’ 2025 summer involved extensive US travel for the Premier League Summer Series, followed by a home friendly against Lille. The timeline below maps key dates from the club’s foundation through the current pre-season programme.

The timeline table below presents the key dates from West Ham’s history and 2025 pre-season schedule.

The pattern shows West Ham’s 2025 pre-season was entirely US-focused, with the Summer Series dominating their summer schedule before a home finale against Lille.

What We Know — and What We Don’t

The research reveals a mix of confirmed facts and gaps that require further monitoring. Here’s how claims break down by confidence level.

Confirmed facts

• West Ham announced a home pre-season friendly against Lille on 17 June 2025
• West Ham’s net debt is £98.5 million (2023-24 financial statements)
• Katy Perry, Barack Obama, Matt Damon, and J.K. Rowling are listed as famous West Ham supporters
• West Ham’s Premier League Summer Series fixtures were confirmed with kick-off times and venues

What remains unclear

• Exact dates for all 2025-26 pre-season friendlies beyond the Lille fixture
• Whether fan boycotts will continue into the 2025-26 season
• Full list of Premier League Summer Series participants for 2025
• Whether West Ham played additional European friendlies in mid-July 2025
• Attendance figures for US friendlies at MetLife Stadium and Soldier Field

Expert Perspectives

“The Premier League Summer Series represents a strategic investment in growing our fanbase beyond traditional markets. The matches are friendly in status but carry significant commercial weight.”

— Premier League official communications (Premier League official governing body)

“West Ham drew 1–1 with Lille in their final pre-season game before the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, with the hosts winning the ensuing penalty shoot-out.”

— BBC Sport match report (BBC Sport national public broadcaster)

“West Ham United’s US tour features matches in New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta as part of the Premier League Summer Series, starting on Saturday 26 July against Manchester United at MetLife Stadium.”

— Yahoo Sports sports media outlet (Yahoo Sports)

Summary

West Ham United’s 2025-26 pre-season friendlies took the club across the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, with a home finale against Lille. The fixtures came against a backdrop of ongoing fan protests over ticket prices and ownership, a net debt of £98.5 million, and unusual celebrity backing led by Katy Perry. The Hammers open their league campaign at Sunderland on 16 August 2025, with the pre-season programme providing both commercial value and tactical preparation.

For West Ham supporters, the stakes extend beyond results — the club’s debt management and fan relations will shape the season as much as any friendly scoreboard.