UEFA Confirms Prize Distribution for 2025/26 Champions League

UEFA has officially detailed how the prize money will be distributed for the 2025/26 Champions League, which debuts its expanded league phase with 36 clubs. The figures underline why the competition remains the most lucrative in world football.

Guaranteed Payments and Knockout Stage Rewards

Each club will collect a fixed payment of €18.62 million for reaching the league phase. On top of that, teams will earn €2.1 million for every victory and €700,000 for a draw. The rewards rise significantly in the knockout rounds: clubs advancing to the round of 16 will receive €11 million, while those playing in the playoff tie before the round of 16 will pocket €1 million.

Reaching the quarterfinals will bring in another €12.5 million, while semifinalists will secure €15 million. The finalists at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026, will receive €18.5 million, with the winner earning an additional €6.5 million in prize money.

Ranking Bonuses and Global Distribution

UEFA also introduced a ranking bonus system for the league phase, with an initial value of €275,000 per position. The lowest-ranked club will take home that amount, while the highest-ranked side could earn up to €9.9 million extra.

Additionally, €30 million has been set aside for clubs that took part in the qualifying rounds. Those who were eliminated before reaching the league phase will still receive €4.29 million as compensation.

In total, UEFA will distribute €3.317 billion across all European competitions this season. Of that, €2.467 billion (74.38%) will go to the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, €565 million (17.02%) to the Europa League, and €285 million (8.60%) to the Europa Conference League.

This financial structure reinforces the role of the Champions League not only as the ultimate sporting competition in Europe but also as its biggest financial engine.