While title-winning teams typically spend the last weeks of May collecting their winners’ medals, some matches on the calendar are different than others – not only do they come with impressive prize purses, they also ensure direct passageways to some of the game’s greatest revenue streams.
They are known as some of the richest games in soccer, with winners lifting trophies that carry much more significance than just adding a hard-earned piece of silverware to their club’s trophy cabinet. Be it the Championship promotion playoff final, the UEFA Europa League final or the first-of-its-kind FIFA Club World Cup play-in match, the physical accolade the champions will collect in the next several weeks will come with an even greater reward after the fact. Spots in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup, respectively, await, ensuring participation in some of the most lucrative competitions in the sport.
In Europe, the Championship promotion play-off and the Europa League final have long been some of the most high-profile games on the calendar but the Club World Cup play-in match might be a one-and-done type of match. Liga MX’s Club America and MLS’ LAFC will face off on May 31 for a spot in the expanded version of the Club World Cup, battling for the spot Club Leon had until they were disqualified from the competition. It may be the richest game in the history of the sport in North America, all before the winner takes part in the competition.
With the countdown to some of soccer’s richest games underway, here’s a glance at what’s on the line for the teams competing in them.
Europa League final
Game details: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United, May 21, 3 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network, Paramount+)
What’s on the line: At least $130 million
The champions of this season’s Europa League are set to collect more than $130 million alongside their winners’ medals, per the BBC. Hefty paydays await all teams that participate in the league phase of the Champions League thanks to broadcast revenue, ticket sales and other matchday revenue as well as bonuses from sponsors. That’s without considering the prize money for how far the team will go in next season’s competition, but the fee for Champions League qualification alone makes it the most important match in Manchester United’s history from a financial standpoint.
Championship promotion playoff final
Game details: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland, May 24, 10 a.m. ET (Paramount+)
What’s on the line: At least $295 million
The richest game in soccer takes place at London’s Wembley Stadium every year as two hopefuls from the Championship seek promotion to England’s top flight, the Premier League. Much like the perks of Champions League qualification for the Europa League winners, the windfall is a direct reward for earning a spot in the Premier League. The winner of this year’s playoff final, though, gets the added bonus of benefitting from the Premier League’s new domestic broadcast deal, which begins next season. The minimum prize was $228 million last year, roughly $70 million less than the check that awaits either Sheffield United or Sunderland.
FIFA Club World Cup play-in match
Game details: LAFC vs. Club America, May 31, 10:30 p.m. ET (DAZN)
What’s on the line: Around $10 million guaranteed
When Club Leon were found to be in violation of their multiclub ownership rules and were disqualified from the expanded Club World Cup, FIFA added an extra game to the calendar for a vacant spot at the competition. LAFC, the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup finalists who lost to Leon, will now take on Club America, the top-ranked team in the Concacaf coefficient ranking. The game is reported to be the richest faceoff ever between a team from MLS and a counterpart from Liga MX, per The Athletic, and comes with a $10 million bonus that goes to all qualified teams. Also awaiting the winner – a chunk of the $1 billion prize pot that FIFA has allocated for this competition.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Seleção Brasileira Feminina sub-17 empata com o Chile no sul-americano, mas garante vaga no mundial sub-17
Brasil sai atrás, busca empate e conquista vaga na Copa do Mundo Feminina sub-17 (Reprodução/Nelson Terme/CBF) Pela 4ª rodada, o hexagonal final do sul-americano feminino sub-17, a Seleção Brasileira Feminina encarou o Chile. Em um jogo bem pegado e disputado, as equipes fizeram grandes atuações e ficaram apenas no empate. O primeiro tempo da partida começou bem aberto, com as duas equipes se lançando ao ataque. Porém, o Chile se saiu melhor e marcou logo aos sete minutos com Catalina Muñoz. Assim, o Brasil não conseguiu reagir e acabou sofrendo mais um gol aos 26 minutos, marcado por Penélope Correa. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Porém, a Seleção Brasileira conseguiu voltar para o jogo pouco tempo depois. Assim, aos 36 minutos, Gabi Pusch chutou forte e diminuiu o marcador. Na volta do intervalo, o Brasil se lançou no ataque de vez e conseguiu […]
Where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw attempts rank in NBA MVP history, and why context is important
Getty Images Game 1 of the Western Conference finals brought a seasons-long debate back to the forefront, as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander polarized the global NBA community once again with his ability to get to the free-throw line. Accusations of foul-baiting have been hurled at SGA for the last few years, but this season's critiques have been particularly harsh given the success of both himself and his team.Expect the conversation to only get louder after Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named NBA MVP on Wednesday night. The seventh-year guard put up one of the best offensive seasons in NBA history, leading the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, but some have devalued his production due to his propensity to draw fouls and earn points from the charity stripe. Others argue that Gilgeous-Alexander is simply taking advantage of the […]
Jim Irsay dies at 65: Colts players, Roger Goodell, others react to sudden passing of Indianapolis owner
Getty Images Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts and the man who oversaw one of the greatest eras in franchise history including a victory in Super Bowl XLI, died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon. He was 65.A second-generation owner with an eccentric streak that made him a unique character among NFL owners, Irsay was central to the Colts' identity as a franchise, and he oversaw his team becoming one of the AFC's dominant forces of the 2000s after assuming ownership upon the death of his father Robert Irsay in 1997. Jim Irsay dies at 65: Indianapolis Colts owner took over team in 1997, oversaw Super Bowl XLI victory Shanna McCarriston Irsay was a central figure in overseeing the selection of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL […]
Indy 500 controversy puts Roger Penske’s legacy of integrity under scrutiny
INDIANAPOLIS — The day after Roger Penske took ownership of Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, the then-82-year-old reportedly walked around every inch of the massive property to make a list of potential improvements.Since then, his beloved speedway has indeed become “Penske Perfect,” the term the team often uses to describe its standard. Racing’s version of a gigantic Wrigley Field has been refreshed, spruced up and revitalized — reminiscent of Penske’s sprawling race shop in North Carolina, where anyone would be comfortable eating off the floors. In the world of “The Captain,” as Penske is known, seemingly no detail is overlooked.AdvertisementIn some ways, that’s what has made the recent controversies involving his team and series so stunning. For an iconic businessman and racer whose esteemed reputation and integrity are above reproach, Penske has shockingly found himself dragged into the mud.“Believe me, […]
Após três jogos sem vitória, Ferroviária vence o Juventude com dois no segundo tempo pelo Brasileirão Feminino
Guerreiras Grenás tem grande atuação e derrotam o Juventude em casa pelo Brasileirão Feminino (Reprodução/Jonatan Dutra/Ferroviária) Jogando em casa, a Ferroviária recebeu a equipe do Juventude pela 12ª rodada do Brasileirão Feminino. Mesmo não vivendo um bom momento na temporada, vindo de três jogos sem vencer, o clube conseguiu fazer uma boa partida e conquistar três pontos importantes. A primeira parte da partida foi completamente dominada pelas donas da casa, que criaram boas oportunidades e mostraram todo o seu poder ofensivo. Entretanto, a goleira do Juventude, Renata, mostrou toda a sua experiência e segurou o 0x0 no 1º tempo, fazendo pelo menos cinco defesas difíceis. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Na segunda etapa, o jogo seguiu dominado pela Ferroviária, que seguia criando boas chances. Mas, as Guerreiras Grenás, seguiam parando nas defesas de Renata, que seguia brilhando e segurando o empate precioso para […]
Jim Irsay cause of death: Colts owner dies at 65 after years of health struggles
Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, has died at the age of 65. The NFL team confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement, describing Irsay as a passionate leader whose love for the Colts, his family, and the Indianapolis community was unwavering.Irsay's passing marks the end of an era for the Colts, a franchise he led for decades with both business acumen and deep emotional investment. While the official cause of death has not been released, his recent health issues have been widely documented.Indianapolis Colts' Home Stadium Transformed into Aquatic ParadiseYears of health issues and addictionIrsay's struggle with addiction and medical problems was not a secret. In December 2023, he was found unresponsive in his Indiana home, reportedly showing signs of an opioid overdose. Police at the scene administered Narcan, an emergency drug used to […]
Related
Seleção Brasileira Feminina sub-17 empata com o Chile no sul-americano, mas garante vaga no mundial sub-17
Brasil sai atrás, busca empate e conquista vaga na Copa do Mundo Feminina sub-17 (Reprodução/Nelson Terme/CBF) Pela 4ª rodada, o hexagonal final do sul-americano feminino sub-17, a Seleção Brasileira Feminina encarou o Chile. Em um jogo bem pegado e disputado, as equipes fizeram grandes atuações e ficaram apenas no empate. O primeiro tempo da partida começou bem aberto, com as duas equipes se lançando ao ataque. Porém, o Chile se saiu melhor e marcou logo aos sete minutos com Catalina Muñoz. Assim, o Brasil não conseguiu reagir e acabou sofrendo mais um gol aos 26 minutos, marcado por Penélope Correa. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Porém, a Seleção Brasileira conseguiu voltar para o jogo pouco tempo depois. Assim, aos 36 minutos, Gabi Pusch chutou forte e diminuiu o marcador. Na volta do intervalo, o Brasil se lançou no ataque de vez e conseguiu […]
Where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw attempts rank in NBA MVP history, and why context is important
Getty Images Game 1 of the Western Conference finals brought a seasons-long debate back to the forefront, as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander polarized the global NBA community once again with his ability to get to the free-throw line. Accusations of foul-baiting have been hurled at SGA for the last few years, but this season's critiques have been particularly harsh given the success of both himself and his team.Expect the conversation to only get louder after Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named NBA MVP on Wednesday night. The seventh-year guard put up one of the best offensive seasons in NBA history, leading the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, but some have devalued his production due to his propensity to draw fouls and earn points from the charity stripe. Others argue that Gilgeous-Alexander is simply taking advantage of the […]
Jim Irsay dies at 65: Colts players, Roger Goodell, others react to sudden passing of Indianapolis owner
Getty Images Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts and the man who oversaw one of the greatest eras in franchise history including a victory in Super Bowl XLI, died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon. He was 65.A second-generation owner with an eccentric streak that made him a unique character among NFL owners, Irsay was central to the Colts' identity as a franchise, and he oversaw his team becoming one of the AFC's dominant forces of the 2000s after assuming ownership upon the death of his father Robert Irsay in 1997. Jim Irsay dies at 65: Indianapolis Colts owner took over team in 1997, oversaw Super Bowl XLI victory Shanna McCarriston Irsay was a central figure in overseeing the selection of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL […]
Indy 500 controversy puts Roger Penske’s legacy of integrity under scrutiny
INDIANAPOLIS — The day after Roger Penske took ownership of Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, the then-82-year-old reportedly walked around every inch of the massive property to make a list of potential improvements.Since then, his beloved speedway has indeed become “Penske Perfect,” the term the team often uses to describe its standard. Racing’s version of a gigantic Wrigley Field has been refreshed, spruced up and revitalized — reminiscent of Penske’s sprawling race shop in North Carolina, where anyone would be comfortable eating off the floors. In the world of “The Captain,” as Penske is known, seemingly no detail is overlooked.AdvertisementIn some ways, that’s what has made the recent controversies involving his team and series so stunning. For an iconic businessman and racer whose esteemed reputation and integrity are above reproach, Penske has shockingly found himself dragged into the mud.“Believe me, […]
Após três jogos sem vitória, Ferroviária vence o Juventude com dois no segundo tempo pelo Brasileirão Feminino
Guerreiras Grenás tem grande atuação e derrotam o Juventude em casa pelo Brasileirão Feminino (Reprodução/Jonatan Dutra/Ferroviária) Jogando em casa, a Ferroviária recebeu a equipe do Juventude pela 12ª rodada do Brasileirão Feminino. Mesmo não vivendo um bom momento na temporada, vindo de três jogos sem vencer, o clube conseguiu fazer uma boa partida e conquistar três pontos importantes. A primeira parte da partida foi completamente dominada pelas donas da casa, que criaram boas oportunidades e mostraram todo o seu poder ofensivo. Entretanto, a goleira do Juventude, Renata, mostrou toda a sua experiência e segurou o 0x0 no 1º tempo, fazendo pelo menos cinco defesas difíceis. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Na segunda etapa, o jogo seguiu dominado pela Ferroviária, que seguia criando boas chances. Mas, as Guerreiras Grenás, seguiam parando nas defesas de Renata, que seguia brilhando e segurando o empate precioso para […]
Jim Irsay cause of death: Colts owner dies at 65 after years of health struggles
Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, has died at the age of 65. The NFL team confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement, describing Irsay as a passionate leader whose love for the Colts, his family, and the Indianapolis community was unwavering.Irsay's passing marks the end of an era for the Colts, a franchise he led for decades with both business acumen and deep emotional investment. While the official cause of death has not been released, his recent health issues have been widely documented.Indianapolis Colts' Home Stadium Transformed into Aquatic ParadiseYears of health issues and addictionIrsay's struggle with addiction and medical problems was not a secret. In December 2023, he was found unresponsive in his Indiana home, reportedly showing signs of an opioid overdose. Police at the scene administered Narcan, an emergency drug used to […]
Be the first to leave a comment