The 2024/25 Champions League season has brought not only a brand-new format, but also record-breaking financial rewards. With the competition more lucrative than ever, just qualifying for the league phase guarantees clubs a major payday.
While sporting glory remains the ultimate goal, the prize money on offer has become a driving force in modern football. Here’s a full breakdown of how much each stage of this season’s tournament is worth.
League phase participation – £15,700,000
Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com
Every club that qualifies for the new league phase is guaranteed £15.7 million. It’s a huge payday before a single ball is even kicked.
A draw in the league phase earns £590,000. Even a single point comes with a solid financial return.
League-phase win – £1,800,000
MDI / Shutterstock.com
Each win is worth £1.8 million. With up to eight matches to play, clubs can earn big just in the group stage.
Top-eight league phase finish – £1,700,000
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Finishing in the top eight brings in a £1.7 million bonus. These teams also avoid the extra playoff and go straight to the Round of 16.
9th to 16th league phase finish – £900,000
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com
Teams that place between 9th and 16th still receive £900,000. It’s a reward for advancing, even if a playoff is still required.
Round of 16 – £9,300,000
MDI / Shutterstock.com
Progressing to the Round of 16 earns clubs £9.3 million. The knockout rounds are where the serious money starts rolling in.
Quarter-final – £10,600,000
Oleh Dubyna / Shutterstock.com
Reaching the quarter-finals is worth £10.6 million. For many clubs, that’s a significant share of their total annual revenue.
Semi-final – £12,700,000
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
A place in the semi-finals brings in £12.7 million. At this stage, clubs are just one match away from the final – and a massive payout.
Runner-up – £15,600,000
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Even if a team loses in the final, it still receives £15.6 million. It’s a strong financial consolation despite the heartbreak.
Winner – £21,100,000
Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com
The Champions League winner in 2024/25 will earn £21.1 million for the final alone. Including earlier round bonuses, the champion could walk away with well over £60 million.
Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.
