Frank Christian
Though it may not carry the same acclaim as the prestigious UEFA Champions League, the Europa League stands as a distinguished European tournament that offers both honors and significant financial rewards.
UEFA has consistently raised the prize funds involved in its tournaments, and for the 2024/25 season, the total prize pool has reached €3.317 billion ($3.74 billion).
Of this amount, €565 million ($640.5 million) is designated specifically for the Europa League, accounting for roughly 17% of UEFA’s overall budget for the season.
Additionally, the winner of the Europa League secures a spot in the following season’s Champions League, which provides even greater financial benefits. This prospect serves as a major motivator for clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United as they approach the 2025 final on May 21.
The Sporting News elaborates on the various financial benefits clubs enjoy from winning the Europa League, both immediately and in terms of Champions League access in the subsequent year.
Europa League Prize Structure
For the 2025 season, teams can earn up to approximately €29.6 million (£25.1 million) in total prize money throughout the tournament.
Just for making it to the league phase, clubs receive €4.3 million, along with the chance to earn additional performance bonuses: a win grants €453,000, while a draw brings in €151,000.
As teams progress through the knockout rounds, the rewards increase, culminating in a €5.9 million prize just for winning the title itself.
| Stage | Prize (€) | Prize (£) | Prize ($) |
| League Phase qualification | €4.3m | £3.6m | $4.8m |
| League Phase win | €453,000 | £378,000 | $504,000 |
| League Phase draw | €151,000 | £126,000 | $168,000 |
| League Phase top 8 finish | €605,200 | £505,000 | $673,300 |
| League Phase 9-16 finish | €302,000 | £252,000 | $336,000 |
| Round of 16 qualification | €1.8m | £1.5m | $2m |
| Quarterfinal qualification | €2.5m | £2.1m | $2.8m |
| Semifinal qualification | €4.2m | £3.5m | $4.7m |
| Europa League final qualification | €7m | £5.9m | $7.9m |
| Europa League title | €5.9m | £5m | $6.7m |
Value of Champions League Qualification
In addition to the Europa League rewards, the team that claims the title will secure a place in the following season’s Champions League league phase.
The financial gain from participating in the Champions League is significantly higher, estimated to be five times that of the Europa League, meaning the winning club will access a much more lucrative prize structure.
Entry into the Champions League league phase was guaranteed at €18.6 million for the 2024/25 season, almost doubling the maximum total prize that a Europa League champion can earn. Furthermore, each victory in the league phase earns an additional €2.1 million, while a draw nets €700,000.
In total, winning the Europa League could yield Tottenham or Manchester United around €64 million (€73 million), combining immediate prize money and the prospective access to greater financial rewards in the following season.
