Every Premier League Club Ranked From Biggest to Smallest by AI

One thing that football fans often argue about is whose team is bigger. It’s hard to argue with who is better. Just looking at what is unfolding on the pitch more often than not answers that debate, but fans can never seem to agree on which clubs are the biggest. Sure, there are some who can’t be denied, such as Real Madrid, but ask Chelsea and Arsenal fans which team is bigger and there’s sure to be a fierce debate that continues to rage on.

Well, to settle the question, it’s time to turn to AI and ask Grok to rank every Premier League club for the 2025/26 season in terms of size. A number of different factors were taken into account, such as:

• Revenue (Taken from 2023/24 season)
• Global fanbase (Via social media followers)
• Historical trophies
• Cultural significance
• Stadium size

Check out the final results below.

20-16

Bournemouth have been named the smallest club in the Premier League

While they’ve been very impressive under Andoni Iraola lately, Bournemouth have been named the smallest club in the Premier League by AI. The Cherries have the smallest stadium in the league and that’s played into the ranking, with their lack of trophies and global fanbase not helping matters either.

Joining them in the bottom five are Brentford, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace respectively. The Bees just lost their manager in Thomas Tuchel and will be hoping to navigate life without him next season without losing their spot in the top flight. Fulham have solidified themselves as a Premier League team again, but according to AI, their lack of silverware and global fanbase is why they rank so low.

Similarly, the lack of silverware and massive fanbases is why AI has slotted Brighton and Palace in the bottom five, despite the Eagles’ recent FA Cup triumph.

15-11

Newcastle United just miss out on the top 10

Moving into the top 15, newly-promoted Burnley are up first. The Lancashire-based club won promotion from the Championship last season and while they have a small fanbase, their historical success, with two top flight league titles in their history, has earned them a spot here.

Leeds United are also coming off promotion from the second tier, but find themselves two places above Burnley, with Wolverhampton Wanderers slotted in between them. Two surprising names are listed next, with West Ham United ranked 12th in the Premier League and Newcastle United sitting 11th. After over a decade of mediocrity, the Magpies are turning into one of the best sides in England again, but — despite having one of the most passionate fanbases in Britain — that’s not enough to get them in the top 10 just yet. Look away now, Newcastle fans, as the team at number 10 will ruffle some feathers.

Sunderland

Stadium of Light

Grok’s reason: “Sunderland’s 6 historical league titles move them up significantly, despite a small modern fanbase.”

In the most surprising pick so far, Grok ranked Sunderland as the 10th biggest club in the Premier League. The Black Cats have spent a number of years outside of the top flight, but returned this year through the playoffs. Ranking them above their vicious rivals Newcastle is quite a choice, but their six top flight titles is what get them into the top 10 according to AI.

While they’ve been tipped to go straight back down to the Championship next season, Sunderland have a fanbase deserving of success and it will be refreshing to see them back in the top flight during the 2025/26 season.

• Fanbase: Strong regional support, limited globally.
• Titles: 6 league titles (last 1936), 2 FA Cups.
• Revenue: ~€90m (estimated).
• Stadium: Stadium of Light (48,707).

Nottingham Forest

The City Ground

Grok’s reason: “Forest’s 2 Champions Leagues give them a surprising edge, though their fanbase is smaller.”

Ahead of Sunderland is Nottingham Forest. The Midlands club spent decades outside of the top flight, but returned in 2022 and after a couple of tough years, fighting relegation at the bottom of the table, they’ve become a solid side and recently secured European football with a seventh-place finish.

Forest were a sleeping giant for far too long, but are now back among the big boys and with two Champions League trophies in their cabinet, they’ve been ranked the ninth-biggest club in England by AI.

• Fanbase: Growing with promotion, historically significant.
• Titles: 1 league title (1978), 2 FA Cups, 2 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: ~€140m (estimated).
• Stadium: City Ground (30,445).

Tottenham Hotspur

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Grok’s reason: “Tottenham’s lack of league titles (only 2) drops them, despite a strong fanbase and stadium.”

A Europa League victory, their first silverware in 17 years, wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job at Tottenham Hotspur and that’s down to his poor form in the Premier League. Spurs finished 17th in the table, well below where a side of their size is expected to be operating.

They’re considered one of the big six in England, but according to AI, they’re actually only the eighth-biggest team in the Premier League, which is sure to raise some eyebrows. If they can build off the back of their recent Europa League victory, though, it will be hard to deny them a spot higher on this list.

• Fanbase: 6th in social media rankings, solid global appeal.
• Titles: 2 league titles, 8 FA Cups, 2024/25 Europa League.
• Revenue: €548.1m (9th globally).
• Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,850).

Everton

Hill Dickinson

Grok’s reason: “Everton’s 9 league titles boost them above Tottenham, but their fanbase is smaller globally.”

Having been in the top flight of English football for over 70 years, Everton have been competing with the best for the majority of their history and it’s easy to see why they’re considered one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. The Toffees have had some incredible moments over the years and while it’s been some time since they got their hands on a major trophy, it’s their success in the past that has them ranked so highly by Grok.

With David Moyes back at the helm, the club finished the 2024/25 campaign strongly and with their brand-new stadium waiting for them heading into next season, the future looks bright for Everton.

• Fanbase: Loyal Merseyside support, moderate global reach.
• Titles: 9 league titles (last 1987), 5 FA Cups.
• Revenue: €245.7m (22nd globally).
• Stadium: Hill Dickinson (~52,888).

Aston Villa

Villa Park

Grok’s reason: Villa’s historical titles (7 leagues, 1 UCL) jump them up, despite a smaller fanbase and revenue.

The last few years have seen Aston Villa transform under Unai Emery from a side fighting against relegation to one competing with the best at the top of the table and representing England in European competitions. The Villans competed in the Champions League this year and gave a good account for themselves, reaching the quarter-final.

They might not be returning to it next season, but they will be competing in the Europa League and with the level of talent within the squad, they should be considered one of the tournament’s favourites.

• Fanbase: Moderate but growing, less global than “Big Six.”
• Titles: 7 league titles (last 1981), 7 FA Cups, 1 Champions League.
• Revenue: €261.9m (20th globally).
• Stadium: Villa Park (42,095).

Manchester City

Etihad Stadium

Grok’s reason: “City’s recent dominance (7 Premier Leagues) is offset by a smaller global fanbase compared to Arsenal and Chelsea.​​​​​​​”

Despite their recent dominance in England, Manchester City have only been ranked as the fifth-biggest team in the Premier League and according to AI, that’s because their fanbase across the globe is significantly smaller than those of the teams currently listed above them.

Pep Guardiola’s men recently saw their incredible four-year run as league champions brought to an end by Liverpool, but they’ve gotten busy in the summer transfer window. If they can get back on top and re-establish themselves as the best team in the country for a sustained period, their fanbase should grow and they might eventually climb this ranking.

• Fanbase: 3rd in social media rankings, growing but smaller than top four.
• Titles: 10 league titles (7 Premier League), 7 FA Cups, 1 Champions League.
• Revenue: €712.8m (5th globally).
• Stadium: Etihad (53,400).

Chelsea

Stamford Bridge

Grok’s reason: “Chelsea’s modern success (2 UCLs, 5 Premier Leagues) and global fanbase outweigh their smaller stadium.​​​​​​​”

There has been plenty of back and forth about whether Arsenal or Chelsea is ultimately the biggest club, but AI has settled that debate and listed the Blues as the fourth-biggest team in the Premier League, with the Gunners sitting ahead of them. The Blues two Champions League trophies isn’t enough to get them above their opponents.

Enzo Maresca’s men returned to the top four this year after a period of disappointment and with talks of upgrading, or even leaving, Stamford Bridge in the future, they might climb this list somewhere down the line.

• Fanbase: 2nd in social media rankings, huge international following.
• Titles: 6 league titles (5 Premier League), 8 FA Cups, 2 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €513.2m (11th globally).
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge (40,343).

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

Grok’s reason: “Arsenal’s 14 FA Cups (most in England) and large fanbase elevate them above City, despite fewer recent titles.​​​​​​​”

Ranking just above Chelsea is their London rivals Arsenal. It’s been over 20 years since the Gunners got their hands on the Premier League title, but their historical success, particularly in the FA Cup, and the size of their following and fanbase is what has seen them ranked above Chelsea and Manchester City by Grok.

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title contenders once again, so there is a chance that they do lift the Premier League trophy in the not too distant future. Even if they don’t, though, their passionate supporters will have their back.

• Fanbase: 5th in social media rankings, strong global appeal (Africa, Asia).
• Titles: 13 league titles (3 Premier League), 14 FA Cups, no Champions League.
• Revenue: €534.3m (10th globally).
• Stadium: Emirates (60,704).

Liverpool

Anfield

Grok’s reason: “Liverpool’s fanbase is slightly smaller than United’s, but their 6 Champions Leagues and 2024/25 title push them close.​​​​​​​”

After a long period away from the very top of English football, Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool back to being one of the best sides in the world and Arne Slot has only helped maintain that status, with their second ever Premier League title.

No club in England has won more silverware than the Reds over the years, but with a smaller stadium and a smaller fanbase, they fall behind Manchester United in AI’s rankings of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

• Fanbase: 4th in social media rankings, massive global following (Asia, Americas).
• Titles: 20 league titles (2 Premier League, 2024/25), 8 FA Cups, 6 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €682.9m (7th globally).
• Stadium: Anfield (61,276).

Manchester United

Old Trafford

Grok’s reason: “United’s unmatched global fanbase and extensive trophy cabinet (20 leagues, 3 UCLs) keep them first.​​​​​​​”

It’s been a rough 12 or so years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as Manchester United manager. The Red Devils have failed to even come close to winning the Premier League title again following his departure and things have been downright embarrassing at times, such as the 2024/25 season when they finished 15th in the Premier League.

Their stadium, Old Trafford, has seen better days too, but the sheer size of their fanbase is enough to land them the number one spot here. That and their incredible trophy cabinet, with 20 league titles and three Champions League trophies to boast about among others.

• Fanbase: 83m+ Facebook followers, top in Premier League.
• Titles: 20 league titles (13 Premier League), 12 FA Cups, 3 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €746.0m (3rd globally).
• Stadium: Old Trafford (74,310).