Sunderland's Europa League financial boost - and what prize money remains on offer
Sunderland have been handed a financial boost after winning their first two games in this season’s Europa League.
Sunderland had already created some lifelong memories for supporters by simply qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in their history.
More of those memories have been provided by a home win against AZ Alkmaar on the opening matchday of the league phase in what was a night for the ages at the Stadium of Light. A first European away day in over half a century came with this week’s visit to Portugal as Regis Le Bris’ side claimed a dramatic late win at Portuguese cup winners Torreense to preserve Sunderland’s perfect start to their maiden Europa League adventure. Supporters are rightly enjoying their first taste of European football since Bob Stokoe’s FA Cup heroes of 1973 ventured into the Cup Winners Cup during the following season before a defeat over two legs to Sporting CP ended their run.
However, Sunderland’s finances are also being boosted by their exploits in this season’s Europa League after UEFA confirmed their prize pot for the competition. Although the prize money in the Europa League is not as lucrative as the Champions League, progress and success in their maiden voyage in the competition can swell the Black Cats considerably over the coming months.
Qualifying for the league phase of the Europa League has already earned Sunderland around £3.7m and their opening night win against AZ Alkmaar brought in a further £385,000 thanks to the prize fund for the competition. That figure was doubled when Sadiki crashed home a late winner against Torreense on Thursday night - but had parity remained in place, Sunderland would have been awarded £128,500 for the draw. So as it stands, the Black Cats have raked in around £4.47m from their opening two matchdays and that is before gate receipts are taken into account.
How much could Sunderland gain from their final position in the league phase of the Europa League?
UEFA have put in place position-related prize money for the league phase. Should Sunderland finish in first to eighth place when the league phase comes to an end in early 2027, they will receive an additional £514,000 - and a ninth to sixteenth place finish would land them £257,000.
How much could Sunderland receive should they progress into the knockout stages of the Europa League?
Progression into the play-off round would bring an immediate £257,000 and a successful push for the last 16 adds another £1.5m to the coffers. Qualifying for the quarter-final is rewarded with £2.1m, the semi-final brings in £3.6m and a final appearance brings in another £6m with the winners earning a further £5.1m
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