There's no doubt that the Copa Libertadores is the biggest and most entertaining cup competition among South American clubs. Managers and players of the qualified teams prepare themselves the entire season for this tournament. Nothing is more important for them. It’s a big opportunity to put their names in the history books of the competition. And also, there’s the prize money.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez announced some changes in the tournament during this season’s draw. Among other things, he mentioned the improvement of the prizes from the quarterfinals onwards. It’s important to point out that in the numbers we are going to share, the TV revenue and tickets income are not included.
The four teams eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores get USD 1.5 million each, USD 300,000 more than last season. The two clubs that lose in semifinals also get an improved prize of USD 2 million, USD 250,000 more than previous tournaments.
Last year, Flamengo of Brazil received a total of USD 12 million for winning the final and becoming champions. This season, however, the winning team will get USD 15 million, three million dollars more than the last edition’s champion. There are no changes in the prize money for the runner-up, which stays on USD 6 million.
Not only teams receive the prize money, but also the players. But the Copa Libertadores is not just about money. It’s the most prestigious tournament in South American and the winners get a ticket to play the Recopa Sudamericana and the Club World Cup.