The winner of the next Champions League could collect about 200 million euros

The financial stakes for the Champions League are set to soar to unprecedented heights next season, with the champion poised to secure a staggering 200 million euros.

This eye-watering sum is the result of UEFA's revamped revenue distribution scheme, which integrates various sources of income including participation bonuses, performance-based payments, market pool shares, historical ranking contributions, and ticket sales revenue.

The 2024/25 season marks the debut of the Champions League's new format, which expands the competition to include 36 teams, up from the current 32. This overhaul will replace the traditional group stage format previously consisting of eight groups of four—with a single league format where all 36 teams compete in one group.

Under this new system, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the knockout stages, while the next 16 teams, finishing ninth to twenty-fourth, will enter a playoff round to secure a spot in the round of 16. Teams that do not make the cut will be eliminated from the competition.

According to "La Gazzetta dello Sport," the financial rewards for participating teams will see a significant increase in the new three-year cycle from 2024/25 to 2026/27. The entry prize for each team is expected to rise to approximately 20 million euros, up from the current 15.6 million euros. However, adjustments will be made to the distribution of prize money for match outcomes; the amount awarded for each win will decrease from 2.8 million euros to 2.1 million euros, and for each draw from 900 thousand euros to 700 thousand euros.

Advancement in the competition will also see increased rewards, with qualification for the round of 16 jumping from 9.6 million euros to 11 million euros, and reaching the quarter-finals will now bring in 12.5 million euros, compared to the previous 10.6 million euros.

Over the course of the specified three-year period, the total funds allocated to the market pool (tied to television viewership) and historical club rankings will approximate 850 million euros, marking a decrease of 50 million euros from the current allocation. Conversely, UEFA plans to allocate 670 million euros for participation prizes (an increase of 170 million euros) and 950 million euros for rewarding sporting achievements (up by 350 million euros).

Amidst these financial adjustments within UEFA's premier club competition, the Super League—an embryonic rival tournament—has lodged a demand for compensation from UEFA amounting to 3.5 billion euros. This claim arises from grievances related to UEFA's interventions, which the Super League organizers argue have hindered the development of their proposed competition. This development underscores the ongoing tensions and financial battles within the landscape of European football, as clubs and organizers navigate the complexities of competition formats, revenue distribution, and the broader implications for the sport's future.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Top Countries

Around the web

Protest motivated Madueke to turn the Arsenal story into a success

The fans’ protest against signing Noni Madueke last summer has only given the Arsenal forward extra fuel. That is what manager Mikel Arteta claims in the build-up to the reunion with Chelsea, Madueke’s former club.

Frenkie de Jong will once again miss a Barça match due to illness

Newly crowned La Liga leaders Barcelona will also be unable to call on Frenkie de Jong against Atlético Madrid. The midfielder missed the previous match against Alavés due to personal reasons, and for Tuesday evening’s game he is ill. Barcelona announced this on Tuesday afternoon.

Bundesliga players always make me feel uneasy

Thierry Henry highlights the differences between the German league and the Premier League.

Slot made a promise that he is clearly not keeping

Uli Hoeness has criticized Arne Slot. Bayern Munich’s honorary president is unhappy with Florian Wirtz’s situation at Liverpool. The extremely expensive summer signing has so far barely shown his qualities in England. According to Hoeness, Slot is to blame for that.

Marseille fail to take advantage of PSG’s defeat and miss out on going top

Marseille twice came from behind but conceded a stoppage time equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Toulouse, missing the chance to overtake Paris Saint Germain and go top of Ligue 1 on matchday 14.

Inter Miami are in the MLS final after an Allende hat-trick

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, crushed New York City 5-1 with a Tadeo Allende hat trick to secure the Eastern Conference title and reach the MLS Cup final, where they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in search of the most important trophy in the club’s short history.

Kompany: We do not accept that

After their first defeat of the season, FC Bayern want to hit back against St. Pauli. It is still unclear with which players.

Beckham next to Rúben Amorim

David Beckham publicly backs Manchester United coach Rúben Amorim, highlighting signs of progress and positive changes as United sit seventh and prepare to host Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham in a key Premier League clash.

Farioli represents what we are striving for at FC Porto

FC Porto held the annual Dragões de Ouro gala on Monday. President André Villas-Boas (pictured) spoke hopefully about the club’s future and said he was happy with the appointment of former Ajax coach Francesco Farioli.

Sandro Wagner sacked as Augsburg head coach

Sandro Wagner has left his role as Augsburg head coach by mutual agreement after a poor run of results, capped by a 3-0 defeat to Hoffenheim. The club sits just above the Bundesliga relegation zone and will be led on an interim basis by former coach Manuel Baum until the winter break.