The richest game in football

Sheffield Wednesday and Hull can expect an instant cash boost if they clinch promotion to the Premier League in the Championship play-off final on Saturday.

It is often seen as the most lucrative game in football, but exactly how much is it worth?

With the help of Deloitte, we break down and assess the prize the winner can expect this summer…

How much would the win be worth?

The value of victory to Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final is £170m, according to financial experts at Deloitte.

Wembley opponents Hull can also expect a huge revenue uplift if they triumph, although the value to them is less, at £110m, as they will have to forgo parachute payments following relegation from the Premier League last year.

What makes up those figures?

The record £170m minimum promotion prize is an increase of £40m on the figure estimated for last year owing to the rise in Premier League TV rights.

The figure breaks down as £95m for next season – mostly from central distributions but also increased commercial activity and gate receipts – and £75m in guaranteed parachute payments if relegated. If the club avoid the drop next year, the overall figure rises to a staggering £290m.

These riches are available to all clubs promoted to the top flight but the sudden-death nature of the play-off final exacerbates the difference between making the cut and missing out.

Next season Deloitte expect the club who finishes bottom of the Premier League to earn £95m to £100m. That’s all to do with the increase …

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