Arsenal’s Champions League prize money compared to other Premier League teams | Football | Sport

Arsenal are almost £50million better off thanks to their Champions League campaign, regardless of their performance in the knockout phases of the tournament. Mikel Arteta’s side has flourished both on the domestic front and across Europe this campaign, as they aim to conclude 2025/26 with an array of trophies to celebrate their achievements.

But where does this substantial sum originate, and how is Champions League prize money determined for this year’s edition of the tournament? Express Sport explains everything….

What sum do clubs earn for Champions League participation this year?

Due to the equal distribution payment, each of the 36 clubs taking part in this season’s Champions League will secure a guaranteed £16.1 million, irrespective of their results across the initial eight matches.

What prize money is given for Champions League victories and draws?

Beyond the basic funding required to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League, substantial sums were available as additional rewards for success. Prior to this year’s tournament, it was announced that sides would earn £1.8m for every victory during the league phase, whilst £604,000 would be distributed for each draw.

Progressing to the round of 16 also brings a reward of £9.5m, whilst teams reaching the play-off knockout stage received a more modest £862,800.

What are the payouts for each final position?

This season, each position in the table is worth one share, which equates to £237,300. Put simply, the team which finished 36th in the Champions League standings (Kairat) in 2025/26 will receive one share, whilst the table toppers (Arsenal) will pocket a remarkable £8.5m for their Champions League performance so far.

Taking everything into account, here’s how Arsenal performed in terms of earnings for their league stage campaign, compared to the other Premier League clubs….

Following an impeccable run of victories over Athletic Club, Olympiakos, Atletico Madrid, Slavia Prague, Bayern Munich, Club Brugge and Inter Milan, as well as Wednesday’s 3-1 triumph over Kairat, Arsenal have secured a maximum £14.4m from win bonuses alone. They also topped the Champions League table and will collect an additional £8.5m for their position.

Combined with a £16.1m participation payment and a £9.5m windfall for reaching the round of 16, Arsenal have banked a remarkable £48.5m from their tournament efforts to date. The Gunners could potentially reach a total of £95.6m if they manage to lift the trophy.

Tottenham Hotspur – £43.65.

Manchester City – £42.1m.

Newcastle United – £31.31m.