Revealed: Sunderland's six-figure financial boost after reaching the Papa Johns' Trophy final

The Black Cats sealed a spot at Wembley with a penalty shoot-out victory over Lincoln City on Wednesday evening, as they get set to return to the national stadium for the third time in three years.

And as well as boosting morale around the club, the cup run has also provided the club with a financial boost.

As part of the reform of the Papa John’s Trophy a few years ago, the prize money in the competition was significantly raised. Teams are now given £20,000 just for entering the tournament and can gain five-figure sums as they progress through the rounds.

And Sunderland’s total earned from the competition thus far during the 2020/21 season currently stands at £200,000. That figure includes the £50,000 they pocketed for winning the semi-final tie.

The final sum is only set to increase, too, with the Wearsiders due another payment regardless of what happens in the final.

A win against Tranmere Rovers in the final on March 14 would see Sunderland handed an extra £100,000, while defeat would result in £50,000 – meaning Sunderland will end with a final sum of at least £250,000.

While it is hardly a game-changing sum, nor is it an insignificant one during a time where clubs are without fans in grounds.

Sunderland will, however, not receive as much as they did during their run to the 2019 final – given they won’t be able to take a cut of the ticket sales, with the game set to be played behind closed doors.

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