Exploring the Payouts: English Clubs’ Earnings from UEFA’s £1.7 Billion Champions League Prize Fund

by · September 19, 2023

Key Takeaways:

  • UEFA’s Champions League prize fund for the season exceeds £1.7 billion.
  • Manchester City, last season’s champions, are poised to earn over £100 million.
  • Premier League clubs have secured substantial payments even before the group stage begins.
  • Payments are determined by complex coefficient rankings, broadcasting income, and on-field performance.
  • Various stages in the competition offer escalating payouts, with the winner set to receive £17.2 million.

UEFA’s £1.7 Billion Champions League Prize Fund

UEFA is set to distribute more than €2 billion (£1.7 billion) in prize money to the clubs participating in this season’s Champions League. Reigning champions Manchester City are eyeing another windfall of over €100 million.

Exciting Kick-off for the Group Stage

The group stage of this premier club football competition kicks off today, with Newcastle United making their first appearance in two decades by facing Milan.

Later in the day, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will attempt to achieve a historic back-to-back European title win as they take on Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda.

Impressive Earnings for Clubs

Last season, Manchester City earned approximately €111 million (£95.6 million) for their victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul, even before accounting for TV revenue. This season, they’ve already secured €48.6 million (£41.9 million) in merit payments based on complex coefficient rankings.

Other English clubs have also earned substantial starting payments: Manchester United – €44 million (£38 million, eighth overall), Arsenal – €41 million (£35.3 million, 11th), and Newcastle – €20 million (£17.2 million, 29th).

Performance-Based Earnings

In the Champions League, each group stage win is valued at €2.8 million (£2.4 million), with a draw worth €930,000 (£800,000). Progressing to the last 16 unlocks €9.6 million (£8.3 million), the quarter-finalists receive an additional €10.6 million (£9.1 million), and reaching the semi-finals adds €12.5 million (£10.8 million). The runner-up earns €15.5 million (£13.4 million), and the eventual winner takes home €20 million (£17.2 million).

Comparatively, Europa League winners might earn approximately €30 million (£25.8 million) if they don’t drop down from the Champions League group stage. West Ham, winners of last season’s Conference League, earned just €20 million (£17.2 million).

Changes in Distribution

Next season, the distribution model will change as the competition expands to 36 teams and adopts a new “Swiss model” instead of the current group stage. This change is expected to guarantee the involvement of a fifth Premier League side, with the potential for seven if unlikely results occur. Additionally, UEFA’s coefficient ranking will be based on a five-year period instead of ten, potentially benefiting top-ranked teams like Manchester City.

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Tyler Potts

Tyler Potts is experienced football tipster and blogger. He has over two years of experience as a freelance football analyst and journalist. His hobbies include team sports, windsurfing and climbing. He loves the Bundesliga and the German national team. Tyler is invariable part of BettingID’s journalist team.

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