Top 10 Football Competitions with the Highest Prize Money

September 9, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

In the modern era, football isn’t just a sport, it’s a billion-dollar global business. From domestic leagues to international tournaments, prize money plays a massive role in shaping club strategies, attracting top talent, and fueling competition. While broadcasting rights and sponsorships rake in huge revenue, it’s the prize pools that offer direct rewards for winning on the pitch.

So, which tournaments are the most lucrative? From South America’s Copa América to the global juggernaut of the UEFA Champions League, here are the 10 football competitions that pay the most prize money, ranked from lowest to highest.

10. Copa América, South America’s Historic Gem

copa america — A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com

Total Prize Pool (2024): $72 million
Winner’s Prize: $16 million
2024 Winner: Argentina

Copa América is the oldest international continental tournament and still a major force financially. In 2024, Argentina took home $16 million from a total prize pool of $72 million. The tournament remains a key driver of revenue and recognition for South American teams.

9. FIFA Club World Cup, Global Competition, Modest Payoff

Projected Prize Pool (2025): $50–$100 million
Winner’s Prize (2023): $5 million
2023 Winner: Manchester City

While prestigious, the FIFA Club World Cup offers more global exposure than massive payouts — for now. Manchester City earned $5 million as 2023 champions. But with FIFA planning to expand the tournament, prize money is expected to rise significantly.

8. UEFA Conference League, Growing Value for Smaller Clubs

Total Prize Pool (2024–25): €285 million (~$309 million)
Winner’s Prize: €7 million (~£5.9 million)
2024 Winner: Olympiacos

Aimed at giving lesser-known European clubs a shot at silverware — and a payday — the Conference League continues to grow. Olympiacos earned €7 million for winning in 2024, making it an important opportunity for mid-tier clubs to profit.

7. UEFA Euro Championship, Europe’s National Showdown

Spain National Team — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Total Prize Pool (2024): €331 million (~$359 million)
Winner’s Prize: €28.25 million (~$30.66 million)
2024 Winner: Spain

Held every four years, the UEFA Euro offers huge rewards and continental glory. Spain earned over $30 million in 2024 for winning the title, while all 24 teams earned payouts based on their group and knockout stage performance.

6. La Liga, Spanish Prestige and Payouts

Total Prize Pool (2024): ~$338.3 million
Winner’s Prize: ~$57.6 million
2023–24 Winner: Real Madrid

La Liga remains a financial giant in European football. In 2024, Real Madrid claimed the title and nearly $58 million. The league’s revenue is heavily influenced by broadcasting deals and merit-based financial distribution.

5. FIFA World Cup, The Game’s Greatest Global Spectacle

Total Prize Pool (2022): $440 million
Winner’s Prize: $42 million
2022 Winner: Argentina

Arguably the most famous football tournament on earth, the FIFA World Cup delivers both prestige and payout. Argentina received $42 million in 2022, with even group stage teams earning bonuses. The upcoming 48-team expansion is likely to increase the pool further.

4. UEFA Europa League, Europe’s Secondary Jackpot

Total Prize Pool (2024–25): €565 million (~$612 million)
Winner’s Prize: €13 million (~$14 million)
2023–24 Winner: Italy

Though second to the Champions League, the Europa League is still a financial force. With a €565 million prize pool, clubs earn substantial money through performance bonuses and progression. The winner also secures a Champions League spot and Super Cup appearance.

3. Bundesliga, A Surprise at the Top End

Total Prize Pool (2024–25): €1.1 billion (~$1.2 billion)
Winner’s Prize: $82.4 million
2024 Winner: Bayer Leverkusen

While not often cited as the richest league, the Bundesliga offers massive rewards. Bayer Leverkusen earned $82.4 million for their title win — even more than the Champions League-winning prize. Broadcasting, sponsorship, and league success drive this strong return.

2. English Premier League, Biggest Payout to a Winner

Total Prize Pool (2024–25): £2 billion (~$2.5 billion)
Winner’s Prize: £62.3 million (~$81.13 million)
2023–24 Winner: Manchester City

The Premier League leads the way in global TV deals, and it shows in the prize money. While its total pool is slightly lower than UEFA’s, it pays the largest single prize to a league champion: $81.13 million in 2024–25. Clubs also benefit from equal-share and merit-based payments.

1. UEFA Champions League, Football’s Financial Juggernaut

Total Prize Pool (2024): €2.437 billion (~$2.71 billion)
Winner’s Prize: €25 million (~$27.13 million)
2024 Winner: Real Madrid

No competition rewards more clubs with more money than the UEFA Champions League. The 2024 prize structure includes payouts for group-stage wins, knockout round progression, and market pool shares — all totaling a jaw-dropping €2.437 billion. The UCL remains football’s most valuable competition.