Why winning the League One play-offs could cost Sunderland £300,000 - and help a rival

The Black Cats are set to take on Lincoln City in the play-off semi finals next week, with the winners then set to face either Blackpool or Oxford United at Wembley with a place in the Championship on the line.

But should Sunderland go all the way in the play-offs, then it could come at a financial cost.

Wigan Today claim that the Wearsiders will have to pay Wigan Athletic £300,000 if they gain promotion this season – as part of the deals that took Max Power and Will Grigg to the Stadium of Light.

While it is a fairly substantial sum in League One terms, the six-figure cost would be nothing compared to the financial gains that would head Sunderland’s way should they be promoted thanks to the Championship’s more lucrative television deal.

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