Potential lucrative windfall of up to hundreds of millions of euros from a winning shot.
Sunderland AFC Secures Promotion to Premier League Worth Over €300 Million in Revenue
Sunderland Association Football Club, commonly known as Sunderland AFC, has secured promotion to the Premier League after a nail-biting playoff final against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium in London. Tom Watson scored the winning goal in extra time (90.+5) to seal a historic comeback for the club, which last competed in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season.
Previous champions Sunderland won 2-1 against Sheffield United after Eliezer Mayenda equalized in the 76th minute. In the 25th minute, Tyrese Campbell had given Sheffield a brief lead. With their victory, Sunderland joins Leeds United and Burnley FC as the three promoted teams to the top flight.
The jump to the Premier League could bring in significant financial rewards for Sunderland AFC. According to estimates by sports finance analysts Deloitte, the club could generate at least £135 million (€158.5 million) in additional revenue over the next three seasons. If the team manages to avoid relegation in its first season, this income could increase to £265 million (€312.5 million) over five years.
Promotion matches are often referred to as the "Million Game" or the "most valuable game in football." Notably, former Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Daniel Farke had already secured promotion with Leeds United at the end of April. The club from the north of England celebrated its return with a decisive 6-0 home victory against Stoke City, securing promotion with two games to spare.
While Sunderland AFC's promotion is financially promising, it is essential to consider the variation in revenue between teams in the Premier League. Clubs can earn substantial income from broadcasting deals, central commercial/sponsorship payments, prize money, matchday income, and merchandising. A promotion would provide Sunderland AFC with an estimated yearly increase of £130–180 million per season compared to their current position in the Championship. Over five years, the club could potentially see an increase in revenue of approximately £400–500 million compared to staying in the Championship.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
Background Information
FC Sunderland is a hypothetical or fictional club with no official representation in professional football. The actual club, based in Sunderland, England, is Sunderland Association Football Club, also known as Sunderland AFC. If referring to Sunderland AFC's hypothetical return to the Premier League, the potential revenue increase could be significant. Premier League clubs typically earn substantial income from broadcasting deals, central commercial/sponsorship payments, prize money, matchday income, and merchandising. The estimated yearly revenue for a promoted club in the Premier League is £130–180 million per season, a substantial increase compared to the current £20–£50 million range in the Championship (with top clubs possibly approaching £100 million if they have parachute payments or strong commercial deals). Over five years, the cumulative revenue increase could potentially reach approximately £400–500 million. However, these figures may vary depending on league performance, commercial success, and potential parachute payments if relegation occurs.
Sunderland AFC's promotion to the Premier League marks a significant shift in the club's financial prospects, as it could generate an estimated £135 million (€158.5 million) in additional revenue over the next three seasons. This return to the Premier League places Sunderland AFC among the top-tier European leagues, joining forces with other prestigious football clubs from across the continent.
