Italian clubs can expect big payouts from the revamped Champions League format next season, with figures estimated to be over 50 million euros for qualification alone. The total prize money for clubs in the ’24-25 Champions League is set to be close to 2.5 billion euros, a significant increase from previous years. Teams that perform well in the competition stand to earn even more, with potential earnings of up to 90 million euros for winning all group stage matches.
The distribution of prize money is divided into three main categories: participation, results, and a combination of market pool and historic ranking. Italy’s strong TV contract values and recent club performance have positioned them well for a sizeable chunk of the 850 million euros allocated to this category. Inter and Juventus are among the top earners, with estimated earnings around 53 million euros each, while Atalanta and Milan are also set to receive substantial payouts.
The winner of the new-look Champions League could pocket a maximum of 150-155 million euros, plus additional revenue from matchday sales. The financial benefits go beyond just the European competitions, as clubs could earn more from participating in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, there are concerns over the increasingly demanding schedules for players, with FIFA urged to review the format. Additionally, the Europa League and Conference League offer smaller but still valuable prize funds of 565 million and 285 million euros respectively.