- The history of the premier league: how it began
- The early years: Manchester United take charge
- The history of the premier league: Arsenal and Chelsea
- The rise of Manchester City
- Leicester City's 5000-1 miracle
- The history of the premier league in the 2020s
- Arsenal win the title in 2025-26
- The full history of the premier league: every champion, 1992-93 to 2025-26
- Titles by club in the history of the premier league
- Records and great players
- Frequently asked questions about the history of the premier league
- When did the Premier League start?
- Who has won the most Premier League titles?
- How many clubs have won the Premier League?
- Who won the most recent Premier League title?
- What was the biggest shock in Premier League history?
- Who is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League?
- Conclusion
The history of the premier league is the story of how English football changed forever in 1992. Before that year, the top clubs played in the Football League First Division. That competition had run since 1888. The breakaway created a new league with its own television deals. The money that followed changed the English game. This guide follows the competition from the first kick in August 1992 to Arsenal’s title win in 2026. It covers the great teams, the shocks, and the records.
Last updated: November 2026
Quick Answer
- The Premier League began in August 1992, when 22 clubs broke away from the Football League.
- Manchester United have won the most titles, with 13.
- Only seven clubs have ever won the title.
- Arsenal won the 2025-26 title, their first in 22 years.
- As of November 2026, the 2026-27 season is under way.
The history of the premier league: how it began
By the early 1990s, the top clubs wanted a bigger share of television money. They planned a breakaway league of their own. On 17 July 1991, the clubs signed the Founder Members Agreement. Then, on 20 February 1992, the 22 First Division clubs resigned from the Football League. On 27 May 1992, the FA Premier League was established as a limited company. The first season began on 15 August 1992.
Meanwhile, the new league struck a television deal that changed everything. BSkyB won the live rights for about £304 million over five years. The deal covered 60 live matches per season, while the BBC kept the highlights on Match of the Day. The first ever Premier League goal came on the opening weekend. Brian Deane scored it for Sheffield United in a 2-1 win over Manchester United. In the end, Manchester United won the first title in 1992-93. The win ended a 26-year wait for a league championship.
The early years: Manchester United take charge
First, Manchester United set the pace in the first decade. After the 1992-93 title, they won again in 1993-94. Blackburn Rovers then broke their run by winning the 1994-95 title. After that, United hit back with the title in 1995-96 and 1996-97. From the 1995-96 season, the league was reduced to 20 clubs. Four teams were relegated at the end of 1994-95, and only two were promoted. Each club plays 38 games, and the season has 380 matches in total.
Arsenal joined the race in 1997-98, winning the title that season. United answered with three titles in a row, in 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01. Arsenal won again in 2001-02, and United took the 2002-03 title. Then Arsenal produced the most famous season in the league’s history. In 2003-04, Arsenal went the whole league season unbeaten, a team known ever since as the Invincibles.
The history of the premier league: Arsenal and Chelsea
Chelsea became the next force in the league. The London club won the title in 2004-05 and again in 2005-06. Their wins ended the long run of Manchester United and Arsenal at the top. United fought back with three more titles, in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. Chelsea won again in 2009-10, and United took the 2010-11 title. By the end of that season, United had 12 titles. For example, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all finished near the top in most seasons. In addition, the same four clubs filled most of the top places year after year. The title race drew fans from every part of the world.
The rise of Manchester City
Manchester City changed the picture in 2011-12. City won the title on the final day with a goal from Sergio Agüero in added time. It was one of the most dramatic finishes in football history. United won the title back in 2012-13. However, City took it again in 2013-14. Chelsea won in 2014-15, and Chelsea won again in 2016-17. City returned in 2017-18 with a record total of 100 points. They kept the title in 2018-19. The club had become the dominant force in English football, and the title race ran through Manchester.
Leicester City’s 5000-1 miracle
No title win in the history of the premier league surprised the world more than Leicester City in 2015-16. The club had been given odds of 5000-1 at the start of the season. Most people expected a fight against relegation. In fact, Leicester stayed near the top all season, and they went on to win the title. The win showed that a well-organised team with a clear plan could beat clubs with far bigger budgets. As a result, it remains the biggest shock in the history of the league. The odds of 5000-1 are still quoted as the benchmark for an upset in sport.
The history of the premier league in the 2020s
Liverpool won the title in 2019-20, their first Premier League title. Manchester City then won four titles in a row, from 2020-21 to 2023-24. In fact, no other club had managed such a run. Meanwhile, Liverpool won again in 2024-25. Arsenal ended the run of near misses by winning the title in 2025-26. The decade also produced a new scoring record. Erling Haaland scored 36 league goals in 2022-23, more than any player in a single season. As of November 2026, the 2026-27 season is under way. For more football stories, visit our Sports News page.
Arsenal win the title in 2025-26
Arsenal won the 2025-26 title, their first in 22 years and their fourth Premier League title. The club had finished as runners-up in each of the previous three seasons. The wait had grown longer with every near miss. In the end, they were confirmed as champions on 19 May 2026. The confirmation came after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth. Arsenal finished on 85 points, with 26 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses. They ended seven points clear of Manchester City. Finally, they lifted the trophy on the final day after a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace. The title was Arsenal’s 14th top-flight title overall. It closed a 22-year gap since the Invincibles of 2003-04.
The full history of the premier league: every champion, 1992-93 to 2025-26
Here is every champion, season by season, from the first campaign in 1992-93 to the latest in 2025-26.
| Season | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1992-93 | Manchester United |
| 1993-94 | Manchester United |
| 1994-95 | Blackburn Rovers |
| 1995-96 | Manchester United |
| 1996-97 | Manchester United |
| 1997-98 | Arsenal |
| 1998-99 | Manchester United |
| 1999-00 | Manchester United |
| 2000-01 | Manchester United |
| 2001-02 | Arsenal |
| 2002-03 | Manchester United |
| 2003-04 | Arsenal |
| 2004-05 | Chelsea |
| 2005-06 | Chelsea |
| 2006-07 | Manchester United |
| 2007-08 | Manchester United |
| 2008-09 | Manchester United |
| 2009-10 | Chelsea |
| 2010-11 | Manchester United |
| 2011-12 | Manchester City |
| 2012-13 | Manchester United |
| 2013-14 | Manchester City |
| 2014-15 | Chelsea |
| 2015-16 | Leicester City |
| 2016-17 | Chelsea |
| 2017-18 | Manchester City |
| 2018-19 | Manchester City |
| 2019-20 | Liverpool |
| 2020-21 | Manchester City |
| 2021-22 | Manchester City |
| 2022-23 | Manchester City |
| 2023-24 | Manchester City |
| 2024-25 | Liverpool |
| 2025-26 | Arsenal |
Titles by club in the history of the premier league
Overall, only seven clubs have ever won the title. Manchester United lead the way with 13, ahead of Manchester City with 8. Chelsea have 5, Arsenal have 4, and Liverpool have 2. Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City have 1 each.
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Manchester United | 13 |
| Manchester City | 8 |
| Chelsea | 5 |
| Arsenal | 4 |
| Liverpool | 2 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 1 |
| Leicester City | 1 |
Records and great players
Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the history of the premier league, with 260 goals. Manchester City hold the record for the most points in a season, with 100 in 2017-18. Erling Haaland holds the single-season scoring record, with 36 league goals in 2022-23. Arsenal’s Invincibles of 2003-04 remain the only team to finish a league season unbeaten. In particular, Sergio Agüero’s title-winning goal in 2012 is still the most famous finish to a season. For the record scorelines, see our guide to the biggest wins in Premier League history. Read our history of the Champions League guide for the European story.
Frequently asked questions about the history of the premier league
When did the Premier League start?
It started in 1992. The first season began on 15 August 1992, after the top 22 clubs broke away from the Football League.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Manchester United have won the most, with 13 titles. Manchester City are next with 8.
How many clubs have won the Premier League?
Seven clubs have won the title. They are Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City.
Who won the most recent Premier League title?
Arsenal won the 2025-26 title, their first in 22 years. They finished seven points clear of Manchester City.
What was the biggest shock in Premier League history?
Leicester City’s title win in 2015-16. In fact, they started the season at odds of 5000-1.
Who is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League?
Alan Shearer, with 260 Premier League goals.
Conclusion
Overall, the history of the premier league runs from a breakaway in 1992 to Arsenal’s title in 2026. It covers seven different champions, one unbeaten season, and the biggest upset in football. Manchester United’s 13 titles still lead the way. Manchester City’s eight titles show how fast the balance of power can change. Follow the action on our free live scores page. See our ideas for upcoming matches on our free football predictions page. For more football stories, visit our Sports News page.
Related: The league is young next to England’s oldest cup — the FA Cup began in 1871, more than 120 years before the Premier League. Read the history of the FA Cup, from the first final in 1872 to Manchester City’s 2026 win, with the giant-killings and the record winners.
Related: For Spain’s story, read our guide to the history of La Liga, from the first season in 1929 to Barcelona’s 2026 title and the great teams that shaped the league.
Related: Read our guide to what is a derby in football — the meaning, the origin of the word, and the most famous derbies in the world.
Related: For Italy’s story, read our guide to the History of Serie A.