What is the UEFA Conference League Prize Money For (2025/26)?
- Think Football Ideas
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
UEFA Conference League Prize Money For The 2025/26 Campaign
The UEFA Conference League sits below Europe’s two major competitions, yet it still offers a financial lift to clubs across the continent. Earnings in this tournament cannot compete with the figures seen in the Champions League, but they still make an impact, especially for sides with smaller budgets.
Last season, Chelsea walked away with £15m after a run that ended with the trophy, and the new campaign features Crystal Palace and Fiorentina among the leading contenders. Clubs that make progress deep into the competition gain solid financial rewards, and reaching the semi-finals brings in £2.2m.
The scale is far below the levels seen in the Premier League or the Champions League, where even low-ranked teams can earn enormous sums, yet the Conference League still offers value for those taking part.
Away from the financial side, the competition offers something important to many clubs and supporters. A long European run provides excitement, new opponents, and the chance to compete for silverware.
Chelsea’s victory delivered a highlight during a season that had mixed results elsewhere, showing how this competition can bring pride and momentum regardless of the money attached.
UEFA divides its total European prize pool across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. The full amount allocated to all three competitions is £2.91bn, with the Conference League taking a 10% share worth £261m.
This pot is spread across every stage of the tournament, beginning with the early qualifying rounds and running through to the final.
The qualifying rounds form the opening chapter of the tournament. In the first stage, 50 teams take part, and those who drop out receive £282,900. For clubs operating with limited resources, this amount can play a major role in their season.
The third qualifying round provides £630,500 to those eliminated, and the play-off round increases the figure again, with those who fall short earning £804,400. Well-known sides can be knocked out at this point, showing how competitive this phase can be.
The league phase contains 36 clubs and provides a larger income. Every team secures £2.76m upon entry into this stage. Wins and draws add more, with a victory worth £348,000 and a draw worth £115,000.
Teams finishing in the top eight of the standings receive an extra £348,000, while those just behind gain half of that amount. This stage ensures a solid base income for each participant.
The knockout rounds increase the rewards. Teams leaving in the round of 16 collect £696,000. Quarter-final exits are worth £1.1m. Semi-finalists earn £2.1m for reaching the final four.
At the end of the competition, the runner-up receives £8m for advancing to the last match, plus an additional £3.5m. The winner’s full total varies based on performance bonuses and market share payments accumulated earlier in the tournament, which is how last season’s champions reached £15m overall.
Television revenue forms another part of the financial picture. Clubs receive a share based on audience reach and overall appeal. Chelsea earned £3.3m from this area last season, topping the list. Real Betis followed with £2.5m.
Smaller clubs still receive something, even if the amount is modest. Larne, from Northern Ireland, for example, collected £32,176, which is close to the size of their annual wage budget and therefore meaningful in its own way.
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