Premier League can bring great riches, but it’s not without its risks

SUNDERLAND'S elevation to the Premier League would bring the club vast riches as evidence of the yawning gap between the top division and the Championship.

- By CLIVE YOULTON

For Regis Le Bris’ side, success at Wembley would unlock immediate access to the Premier League's lucrative broadcast and commercial revenue streams, which form the backbone of a nine-figure windfall.

Based on the 2023/24 distribution figures, even the lowest-earning Premier League club, Sheffield United, received a substantial £109.7m from central distributions alone. This dwarfs the annual payments Championship clubs receive from the EFL, which typically amount to just below £11m per season.

Premier League clubs benefit from the world’s most valuable domestic football broadcast deal, with international rights continuing to grow exponentially. These revenues are distributed through various mechanisms, including equal shares, facility fees for televised matches, and merit payments based on final league position.