History of Teams in the Premier League

The Premier League is the top professional football league in England and one of the most popular football leagues in the world. Since its inception in 1992, the league has seen some of the biggest names in football grace the pitches of its teams’ stadiums.

With so much history and success, it’s important to know how many teams have played in the Premier League, the league’s history, and the list of champions. Let’s dive into these topics and give you an in-depth look at the Premier League like never before.

Arsenal/ Stock Image | Arsenal was the first club from the South of England to join the Football League in 1893

Founding Members

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has seen 49 teams participate. The first teams to join the league were a mixture of first and second-division teams. Most teams played in the old First Division, but a few Second Division teams were also included. Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wimbledon were the 14 founding members of the Premier League. Since then, more and more teams have joined or been relegated from the league, making it one of the most competitive football leagues in the world.

The Powerhouses

Over the years, several teams have had tremendous success in the Premier League. Manchester United is the most successful team in Premier League history, having won the league 13 times. Other teams that have won the league include Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Liverpool. There have been 26 different champions since the league began, making it one of the most diverse football leagues in the world.

Chelsea FC/ Shutterstock | Chelsea was founded in 1905 by Gus Mears

Surprises and Underdogs

Despite its relatively short history, the Premier League has seen some surprising results. In 2015-2016, Leicester City won the league, despite being a relative newcomer to the Premier League. They made history by being the first team to win the league outside of the traditional big six teams in England. Other surprise successes include Blackburn Rovers’ win in 1994-1995 and Arsenal’s unbeaten season in 2003-2004. These successes show that the Premier League is not just about the big-name teams but that anything is possible in this competitive league.

The Threat of Relegation

Relegation is a constant threat in the Premier League, with teams fighting hard to avoid dropping to the lower leagues. Over the years, several teams have been relegated from the league, only to bounce back the following season. Notable teams that have been relegated include West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, Sunderland, and Leeds United. It’s a reminder that teams must work hard to stay in the league and that even the biggest teams are not safe from relegation.

Shutterstock/ iStock | Blackburn Rovers was established in 1875, becoming a founding member of The Football League in 1888

Newcomers and Promotion

As the Premier League continues to grow, more and more teams are vying for a spot in the league. In recent years, teams like Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford, and Sheffield United have all made their way to the Premier League. It’s a testament to the competitiveness of the league and the fact that anyone can earn their place at the top. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see which teams will join the Premier League and how they will fare against the current powerhouses.