The UEFA Europa League has evolved into more than just a second-tier soccer tournament. With rising viewership and fierce competition, the financial rewards on offer have become just as intense as the matches themselves.
While Champions League riches often steal the spotlight, the Europa League‘s prize pot is no small treasure. Each round brings in more than just glory—there’s serious money at play, and clubs are well aware of what’s at stake.
For the 2025 edition, the buzz is already building. Beyond the trophy and prestige, a deeper question lingers: how much do the champions truly earn once the final whistle blows and the confetti settles?
What is the UEFA Europa League prize money?
The winner of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League will earn a total prize of around €25.7 million (roughly £22.1 million), combining base payments, match bonuses and a significant final victory bonus, according to official sources.
Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta BC lifts the UEFA Europa League Trophy with teammates after their team’s victory during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match. (Source: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Each of the 36 clubs that reached the group stage received a guaranteed €4.31 million as a participation fee, distributed in two payments, with extra earnings coming from match wins (€450,000 per victory) and draws (€150,000 each).
Advancing through knockout rounds boosts the payout, culminating in a €6 million bonus awarded specifically for winning the final itself, according to sources like AS US.
This prize money not only rewards the sporting success but also paves the way for entry into the UEFA Champions League, which can add substantial additional revenues through broadcasting rights and sponsorships.
Does the UEFA Europa League runner-up have prize money?
Yes, the Europa League runner-up receives a sizable reward — approximately €19.7 million (about £17.3 million), which includes a fixed amount for reaching the final plus performance bonuses accumulated in earlier stages.
A detailed view of the UEFA Europa League Trophy is seen on the pitch prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2024. (Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Specifically, the losing finalist is awarded €5.9 million for their appearance in the final itself, combined with additional earnings from victories and draws in the group and knockout phases.
This payout underscores UEFA’s effort to compensate clubs for deep runs in the tournament, even without lifting the trophy. While notably less than the champion’s prize, this sum still represents a vital financial boost for many clubs.
