Wolves will return to the US for the first time in 43 years this summer, with Gary O’Neil’s side set to take part in the inaugural Stateside Cup pre-season tournament.
The Old Gold’s preparations for the 2024/25 season will see them join fellow Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Ham United in the three-team tournament, which will take place in Florida and Maryland across July and August.
Wolves will face the Hammers at the EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday 27th July, before travelling to the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday 31st July.
While the trip will provide a competitive challenge for O’Neil’s first pre-season campaign in charge of Wolves, it’s also an opportunity for the club to connect and engage with its 32 active official supporter clubs currently based in the US. More details of supporter events will be available in the coming months, and supporters can join or create a club by clicking here.
Wolves have gone 43 years without touching down in America, when they, coincidently, took on Jacksonville Tea Men in a May 1981 friendly. John Richards was on target, but the hosts won 4-1 in the Jacksonville Gator Bowl fixture.
The club’s long-standing links to the US extend back to 1967, when LA Wolves conquered the USA. The summer of 1967 saw 12 clubs from across the globe, including Wolves, play a crucial role in kickstarting the popularity of the sport in the United States.
That incredible story was brought to life by an award-winning documentary from Wolves Studios late last year - 1967: When LA Wolves Conquered the USA.
General manager for marketing and commercial growth Russell Jones said: “Here at Wolves, we have a proud and long-standing connection with the States, having played such a significant role in first professional league back in 1967 as the LA Wolves.
“We have a large following in America and in recent years we’ve connected with fans at MLS NEXT Pro in Salt Lake City in 2022, the TST tournament in North Carolina last summer and the various Premier League Mornings Live events, which most recently took place in Nashville.
“Bringing the first-team to the US is a major next step and we are looking forward to working with our US-based supporter clubs to put on a series of events for existing and new fans travelling to the games.
“Aside from the opportunity to grow the club’s fans base, the tour will also provide a number of exciting exposure opportunities for club partners looking to grow their brands in the US.”
Wolves are currently assessing the option of organising travel for UK-based fans, depending on demand. Please register your interest by clicking here.
Any fans booking tickets and travel independently are encouraged to wait for further announcements relating to the US tour. Supporters are also reminded that pre-season games can be affected by circumstances outside of the club’s control. Wolves cannot be held responsible for game cancellations and advise fans to ensure they are adequately insured.
