Triumphant snap could carry a fortune of hundreds of millions of euros.
Article:
Sunderland AFC, five-time league champions, returned to the English Premier League following an eight-year absence after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
In the final minutes of the eagerly anticipated contest, Tom Watson clinched the winning goal in the 95th minute, pushing Sunderland into the elite tier of English football. Sheffield United had taken an early lead through Tyrese Campbell in the 25th minute, but Eliezer Mayenda equalized in the 76th minute, setting the stage for an enthralling finish.
Promotion to the Premier League could prove incredibly lucrative for Sunderland, with estimates suggesting that the revenue increase over the next three seasons could reach £135 million (€158.5 million). Over a five-year period, this figure could swell to £265 million (€309 million) if the club remains in the premier division, according to sports finance analyst Deloitte.
The Championship play-off final is often referred to as the "Million Game" or "the most valuable game in football," due to the significant financial stakes involved. The triumphant club stands to gain well over £100 million in guaranteed revenue, with the potential total windfall surpassing £200 million for newcomers to the English top flight.
Leeds United, another Championship club, had secured promotion to the Premier League at the end of April under the guidance of former Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Daniel Farke. They celebrated their return with a comprehensive 6-0 home victory against Stoke City, securing promotion with two games to spare.
Sunderland's return to the Premier League marks an estimated revenue gain of approximately £200 million, with the additional cash inflows expected to come from broadcast revenue, parachute payments, survival bonuses, and commercial growth associated with playing in the premier division[1][3][4].
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
Overall:
Sunderland’s reinstatement into the Premier League is estimated to generate an estimated £200 million in future earnings, primarily from broadcast revenue, parachute payments, survival bonuses, and increased commercial opportunities[1][3][4]. The Championship play-off final, often known as the "Million Game" or "the most valuable game in football," is noteworthy for its immense financial significance, with the winning club potentially gaining more than £200 million in revenue over time[1][3][4].
The return of Sunderland AFC to the Premier League, a notable European league, will significantly boost their finances, with estimates suggesting an increase of around £200 million from various sources such as broadcast revenue, parachute payments, survival bonuses, and commercial growth. This monumental financial gain is a testament to the high stakes and immense value of the Championship play-off final, often referred to as "the Million Game" or "the most valuable game in football."
