Recently, several prominent figures including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Rebekah Vardy’s lawyer, and Christian Horner from Red Bull Formula 1, among others, have been observed misnaming the top division of English football, commonly known as the Premier League, referring to it instead as the Premiership.
While it may seem surprising, this confusion is understandable. The league was officially called the Premiership for over a decade until it was rebranded as the Premier League in 2007, a change that many people have seemingly overlooked. Ratcliffe has repeatedly used the term ‘the Premiership’ in interviews since becoming involved with Manchester United, while Sunak mentioned his favorite team Southampton being promoted “back to the Premiership” during a television interview in May.
Other notable instances include Vardy’s lawyer using the term in a legal case, and the team Sheffield Wednesday displaying “The Premiership” on their big screen during a match in August 2023. The term has even appeared in television shows and discussions about football, illustrating its stubborn presence in public discourse despite the name change.
This persistent misnaming can be attributed to the similarities between the two terms. The rebranding aimed to simplify the league’s identity, making it recognizable as the Premier League globally, a move supported by Richard Scudamore, the league’s former chief executive.
The league’s original structure involved various sponsors, each contributing to its name over the years. Initially known as the FA Premier League in 1992, it became the FA Carling Premiership from 1993 to 2001 due to sponsorship by Carling beer. Following different iterations of sponsorships up until 2007, it was finally simplified to the Premier League.
Interestingly, the retention of the term ‘Premiership’ within other sports, like rugby and Scottish football, likely contributes to the ongoing confusion. Sports marketing experts suggest that familiarity plays a role in how names are remembered, particularly for those who became fans during the Premiership era.
Although it may seem trivial, this naming mix-up reflects a broader phenomenon where people hold onto old brand names despite official changes. With the Premier League now firmly established for 17 years, many still find themselves referring to it as the Premiership—a reminder of how brand identities can linger in public memory.