Premier League Finish Line Frenzy: Millions on the Line for Every Club
The Premier League is hurtling towards a dramatic conclusion. Not only is the title race wide open, but the battle to avoid relegation is also heating up. With every match, millions of pounds are at stake for each club.
Premier League Prize Money: A Breakdown
The Premier League distributes a significant sum of money based on a team’s performance throughout the season. This money comes from domestic and international TV rights deals.
Every club receives a share from four sources:
- Fixed equal share payment: All 20 teams get a base amount regardless of their final position.
- Merit payment: This amount is based on a team’s final league position, with higher finishes earning more money.
- Fixed commercial revenue payment: Each club receives a set amount from commercial revenue deals.
- Variable facility fees payment: This payment rewards teams based on the number of times their matches are broadcast live in the UK.
How Much is Each Position Worth?
The Premier League employs a merit payment system that rewards teams based on their final standing. This system follows a sliding scale, with first place receiving the most and 20th place (last) receiving the least.
Based on the 2022/23 season’s prize money distribution, champions Manchester City pocketed a staggering £62.3 million. Each position below them decreased in value by roughly £3.1 million, with Southampton, who finished rock bottom, receiving £3.1 million for their troubles.
The following table shows the estimated prize money awarded for each Premier League position in the 2022/23 season:
| Position | Prize Money (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| 1st | £62.3 million |
| 2nd | £59.1 million |
| 3rd | £56 million |
| 4th | £52.9 million |
| 5th | £49.9 million |
| 6th | £46.7 million |
| 7th | £43.6 million |
| 8th | £40.5 million |
| 9th | £37.4 million |
| 10th | £34.3 million |
| 11th | £31.1 million |
| 12th | £28 million |
| 13th | £24.9 million |
| 14th | £21.8 million |
| 15th | £18.6 million |
| 16th | £15.6 million |
| 17th | £12.5 million |
| 18th | £9.4 million |
| 19th | £6.2 million |
| 20th | £3.1 million |
More Money on the Table: Facility Fees
Another variable influencing a club’s total prize money is facility fees. This payment is determined by the number of times a team’s matches are televised throughout the season.
For example, Manchester City topped the facility fees table last season, raking in an additional £25.3 million from their televised matches. Interestingly, Everton, despite finishing a lowly 17th, earned a significant £19.4 million in facility fees, highlighting the potential financial rewards of televised appearances.
