James Murray
Fri 23 May 2025 13:07, UK
Sunderland could earn a guaranteed £160million if they secure their long-awaited return to the Premier League, sources have told Football Insider.
The Black Cats are set to take on Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday (24 May).
Regis Le Bris’s side beat Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, while the Blades secured a 6-0 victory over Bristol City over two legs.
Sunderland finished fourth in the table in the regular season, with Chris Wilder’s side missing out on automatic promotion after finishing third behind Leeds United and Burnley.
Sheffield United earned just under £110million in Premier League payments last season despite finishing bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, Leeds were paid £49million in parachute payments in 2023-24 after being relegated from the top flight two seasons ago.
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Sources have told Football Insider promotion to the Premier League would be worth almost £160million to Sunderland, even if they were to be relegated back down to the Championship next season.
That figure could increase depending on how much clubs receive from the new broadcast deal.
However, Sheffield United’s potential earnings would be lower than Sunderland’s as they are already benefitting from parachute payments following their previous spell in the Premier League.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United land £137m windfall
Sunderland’s turnover increased last season from £35.5million in 2022-23 to £38.2million, which was driven by an uplift in broadcast, matchday and commercial revenue.
The Black Cats’ losses fell slightly from £8.9million to £8.5million across the same period.
Sheffield United’s revenue more than doubled from £63.9million to £137.6million after spending the 2023-24 season in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire side’s losses fell from £31.5million in 2022-23 to £7.6million last season.
Position Team Played Points GD
1 Leeds United (C) 46 100 65
2 Burnley (P) 46 100 53
3 Sheffield United (PO) 46 90 27
4 Sunderland (PO) 46 76 14
Championship final standings
Sunderland resigned to accepting Jobe Bellingham offer
It’s not just the financial implications on the line for both clubs as failure to secure promotion could see some of their key players leave this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 12 May Sunderland are resigned to losing star man Jobe Bellingham if they miss out on promotion.
It has been widely reported Borussia Dortmund are planning a summer move for the 19-year-old, with a fee of £25million mooted.
Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation at the Stadium of Light, where he is under contract until June 2028.
Bellingham has registered four goals and three assists in 42 appearances for Sunderland this season.
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