It's the most famous sports league in the world, and long may it reign. Since a mega-money BSkyB television deal launched the Premier League into the stratosphere 17 years ago, English soccer has ruled.

From the safety of this side of the planet, away from high ticket prices and a soccer saturated culture, the Premier League is a winner most of the way.

With money flooding into the game, English clubs have been able to load up with talented imports (along with more than a few expensive duds it must be said).

This blend of English soccer's high-energy style and the extreme skill of the foreigners is a magic formula. The drama, both on and off the field, is relentless in a league televised to 200 countries.

The season starts this weekend. Here are 10 reasons to love and hate the Premier League over the years, with the emphasis on the former.

1 Wayne Rooney

It's the way the stocky Manchester United star plays the game that steals the show. With so many foreigners dominating, it needs an Englishman capable of holding the ball and the headlines.

Rooney's move from Everton epitomised the league's major weakness, the inability of clubs outside of the so-called top four to attract and retain the best players.

You might also feel that he hasn't quite reached his full potential with United.

But his low-to-the-ground game, the harrying of opponents, the dribbling and quick one-twos, are terrific to watch. He's no prima donna either, with a big heart that powers him back to help his defenders.

Rooney plays the way so many kids dream they could play.

2 Money

A love-hate business. The amounts involved contribute to the glitz and glamour, a-la Hollywood. Money is the very reason why the league is now the world's best.

Yet the player wages and agent demands are borderline obscene, especially when a $300,000-a-week footballer can't even make the first team. (There are 1966 English World Cup heroes who sell their medals for about what a current superstar earns in a week).

Each club gets, on average, well over $100 million a year from the media deals. Yet it was estimated recently by the Chelsea fan club that it costs a supporter, on average, a whopping $300 to attend each home match.

Prices outside of London are slightly more reasonable of course. The league is awash with money and debt, to the point that a number of clubs have gladly sold out to dodgy characters.