The Premier League feels like it goes on forever. From August through to May, it’s wall-to-wall football, drama, and punting action. You’ve got title races at one end, relegation battles at the other, and about a thousand storylines in between. But if you’ve ever wondered exactly how many games get played across the season, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
The short answer: 380 games all up
There are 20 teams in the Premier League, and each side plays every other team twice — once at home and once away. That means 38 matches per club across the campaign. Multiply that by 20 teams, and you get a total of 380 games in every Premier League season.
It has been that way since 1995, when the competition was cut back from 22 teams to the 20 we have now. It’s a long grind, and by the time May rolls around, most squads are battered, bruised, and running on fumes.
That’s 380 matches full of goals, controversy, and the occasional howler from VAR — plenty to keep punters busy every week.
The season structure
The Premier League season usually kicks off in early August and runs through to late May. Each team plays one fixture per week on average, although things get busier over the Christmas and New Year period when the games come thick and fast.
It’s a brutal stretch, especially for the teams fighting on multiple fronts. Fatigue, fixture congestion, and injuries all come into play as the season drags on. By April and May, you start seeing tired legs, surprise upsets, and the odd team that just wants the season to end.
For punters, that back end of the year is gold. You can spot the sides who’ve checked out mentally and the ones scrapping for every point to avoid the drop.
Why the number of games matters
With 38 rounds, the Premier League rewards consistency more than any other comp. You can’t just fluke a few good weeks and hope to win the title. It’s about squad depth, rotation, and keeping players fit across ten months of relentless football.
The same logic applies to punting. Early form can flatter, but the truth comes out by Christmas. Teams that look sharp in August can fall away by winter, while the slow starters often find their rhythm late.
If you’re tracking the long game, check out the latest English Premier League odds before each round. You’ll often spot value on teams trending up or down as the grind of 38 games starts to bite.
Why it feels like more than 38
Fans often say it feels like the season never ends, and they’re right. Premier League clubs also play in the FA Cup, League Cup, and if they’re good enough, European competitions like the Champions League or Europa League. That means the big clubs can end up playing over 50 or 60 matches across all comps.
It’s why you’ll sometimes see title contenders stumble around February or March — the schedule catches up with them. As a punter, it’s always worth checking which teams have midweek fixtures before betting on a weekend match. Tired legs can flip a result.
How it stacks up to Aussie codes
For context, the Premier League’s 38-game structure dwarfs most Australian sports seasons. The A-League has 12 teams and only 27 rounds, while the AFL has 23 home-and-away games. It just shows how much football English clubs play and why squad management becomes such a key factor.
The long grind of the world’s biggest league
So, there you have it. Each Premier League season runs for about nine months, with 20 teams, 38 matches per club, and 380 games in total. That’s a lot of football, a lot of late nights for Aussie fans, and endless opportunities to find an angle or two in the markets.
Whether you’re following the title race, the relegation scrap, or just having a punt on a Saturday night, the beauty of the Premier League is that there’s always another match around the corner
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in the Premier League?
There are 20 teams in the Premier League each season.
How many matches does each team play?
Every team plays 38 matches — 19 at home and 19 away.
How many total games are played across the whole season?
There are 380 matches in total in every Premier League season.
When does the Premier League season start and finish?
The season starts in August and finishes in May, with a few short breaks for international fixtures.
Why are there 38 games instead of more or fewer?
When the Premier League launched in 1992, there were 22 clubs. It was trimmed to 20 in 1995 to ease fixture congestion and align with other major European leagues, resulting in 38 matches per team.
Do Premier League teams play in other competitions as well?
Yes. Clubs also compete in the FA Cup, League Cup, and European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League, meaning some teams can play 50 to 60 matches per year.
How does the number of games compare to the A-League?
The A-League has 12 clubs and only 27 rounds, so Premier League teams play more than ten extra league games each season, not counting cup fixtures.
