What Is 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy was a pre-season football tournament held in July 2019 in Nanjing, China, featuring four Premier League clubs: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Wolves, and West Ham United. Manchester City won the tournament by defeating Wolves 3-0 in the final match on July 20, 2019.

Key Facts

2019 Premier League Asia Trophy took place from July 17 to July 20, 2019
Host city was Nanjing, China, at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center
Participating teams: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United
Manchester City won the trophy by defeating Wolves 3-0 in the final
Over 80,000 fans attended the four matches across the tournament weekend

Overview

The 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy was a biennial pre-season football competition designed to promote the English Premier League in Asian markets. Held every two years since 2003, the 2019 edition marked the seventh iteration of the tournament and the second time it was hosted in China.

This edition featured four Premier League clubs competing in a knockout format over four days. The event combined high-level football with fan engagement activities, reinforcing the Premier League’s global commercial strategy and growing influence in Asia.

July 17–20, 2019: The tournament spanned four days, with two match days featuring semi-finals and a final, plus a third-place playoff, all held at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center.
Four participating clubs: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Wolves, and West Ham United represented the Premier League, each bringing full first-team squads for pre-season preparation.
Host city Nanjing: Located in eastern China, Nanjing hosted the event for the first time, marking a shift from previous host cities like Beijing and Hong Kong.
Attendance figures: Over 80,000 fans attended the matches, with the final drawing more than 40,000 spectators, demonstrating strong regional interest in Premier League football.
Commercial focus: The event was backed by major sponsors including Heineken and Nike, highlighting the league’s strategic partnerships in expanding its global footprint.

How It Works

The Premier League Asia Trophy follows a structured pre-season format combining competitive matches with promotional outreach across Asia. Designed to strengthen the league’s international brand, it features club participation, fan events, and media exposure.

Knockout Format:Four teams compete in two semi-finals, with winners advancing to the final and losers playing for third place in a single weekend.
Pre-Season Preparation: Clubs use the matches to build fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of the new Premier League season, typically starting in August.
Host Rotation: The tournament rotates across Asian cities; previous editions were held in Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, increasing regional engagement.
Commercial Partnerships: The Premier League leverages the event to strengthen ties with sponsors such as Heineken, Standard Chartered, and EA Sports, boosting revenue and visibility.
Fan Engagement: Clubs host training sessions, meet-and-greets, and interactive booths, allowing Asian fans direct access to players and club branding.
Global Broadcasting: Matches are televised in over 180 countries, amplifying viewership and digital content reach during the pre-season window.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy with previous editions in terms of location, teams, and attendance.

Year	Host City	Teams Participating	Winner	Estimated Attendance
2019	Nanjing, China	Man City, Newcastle, Wolves, West Ham	Manchester City	80,000+
2017	Beijing & Shanghai, China	Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Leicester, FC Bayern Munich (guest)	Crystal Palace	75,000
2015	Singapore	Arsenal, Villa, Singha All-Stars, Lion City Sailors	Arsenal	60,000
2013	Hong Kong	Tottenham, Sunderland, South China, Kitchee	Tottenham	45,000
2009	Beijing, China	Chelsea, Hull, Tottenham, City	Tottenham	70,000

The 2019 edition set a new benchmark in attendance and commercial scale. With all four teams from England and no guest international clubs, it emphasized Premier League exclusivity. The shift to Nanjing reflected a broader strategy to tap into China’s growing sports market, supported by digital campaigns and localized content.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy was more than a pre-season event—it was a strategic expansion of the league’s global influence, particularly in a region with over 1 billion potential fans. The tournament highlighted how sports leagues leverage international events for branding and revenue.

Global Brand Growth: The Premier League reaches 3.2 billion viewers worldwide, and events like the Asia Trophy enhance visibility in key emerging markets.
Commercial Revenue: International sponsorships now contribute over 25% of league revenue, with Asian brands increasingly investing in club partnerships.
Player Exposure: Young stars like Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi gained international attention through high-profile appearances in Nanjing.
Fan Base Expansion: Over 15 million official Premier League fans are registered in China, with social media engagement peaking during such events.
Soft Power Diplomacy: The event fostered cultural exchange, with clubs participating in community programs and local school visits during their stay.
Future Hosting Models: The success in Nanjing may lead to more multi-city tournaments in China and Southeast Asia in future editions.

As football continues to globalize, the Premier League Asia Trophy remains a vital tool for connecting clubs with international audiences, driving both commercial success and long-term fan loyalty.