The Premier League logo on a Sunderland shirt
The Premier League logo on a Sunderland shirt
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence following their dramatic 2-1 Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United. The scenes of celebration at Wembley will live long in the memory, and already thoughts are turning to the new season.
It will be the Black Cats' first top-flight campaign since 2016-17 and excitement over what Regis Le Bris and Co can achieve is building on Wearside. This young Sunderland team have plenty of potential, and with new spending power available, the squad could get even stronger for next season.
There will be plenty changing for the Wearsiders other than financial benefits, of course, with a greater profile both nationally and internationally, and a host of changes not seen for eight years. Here are some of the things to look out for.
Financial windall
It's not called the richest game in football for nothing. Financial experts estimate promotion to the Premier League to be worth around £200m at least, with guaranteed income regardless of how Sunderland fair next season. While this current season's merit payments are yet to be confirmed, each side in the 2023-24 campaing received around £95m based on domestic and international TV deals and other commercial benefits.
Then there is a payment for the final league position, worth around £2.5-3m per place. Sheffield United made £109.7m despite finishing bottom of the table in 2024. Relegated sides will also receive parachute payments.
Return of the derbies
When the fixtures are released on June 18, all eyes will be on who Sunderland play first . . . and when the derbies are. There has only been one game against North East rivals Newcastle United since 2016 - a 3-0 FA Cup defeat in 2024 - but the Black Cats have a proud recent record against the Magpies and will be looking to upset Eddie Howe's men next term.
New TV dates and channels
Sunderland are no stranges to playing on a Saturday lunchtime after the EFL introduced 12pm kick-offs for three Championship games each week. However, there new channels and times to get used to. TNT Sport broadcast one Premier League game most weekends, usually at 12.30pm on a Saturday.
Sky Sports continue to broadcast hundreds of games, with a regular 5.30pm Saturday slot, plus two games on a Sunday, usually around 2pm and 4.30pm. Monday night football is also a regular feature on the channel, with kick-offs at 8pm.
Sunderland will also feature more regularly around the world, with the Premier League beamed to around 188 countries, with an estimated 3.2 billion people watching worldwide.
Match of the Day
There'll be no Gary Lineker, but Sunderland will again feature on Match of the Day every weekend. The popular BBC highlights programme usually airs around 10.30pm every Saturday, with Match of the Day 2 showing highlights of Sunday's games. Saturday hosting duties will be shared between Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan - but be prepared for some Alan Shearer analysis.
Carabao Cup change
Say goodbye to the first round of the Carabao Cup, with Sunderland entering at the second-round stage of this season's competition. Sides involved in Europe will come in at the third-round stage.
Sunday fixtures
Get ready for plenty of Sunday fixtures - and not just because of TV schedules. It's fairly common for games to be moved to a Sunday if opponents have been involved in midweek European competition, with any Thursday night fixtures usually guaranteeing a switch to the Sunday. Games not televised usually kick-off at 2pm.
Later start and finish times
The Premier League season gets under way a week later than the EFL, and finished well after the curtain comes down on the regular Champiosnship campaign. The season starts on the weekend of Saturday, August 18, and the final fixtures will be played on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Fantasy Football
One for all you armchair managers - Sunderland players will feature in the Premier League Fantasy Football game in the coming season. You can only pick three in your side though! As a newly-promoted side, prices for Black Cats stars are likely to be on ther lower side . . . but we know there are a few bargains in red-and-white to sign up to your team.
No Easter games
The EFL have brought back the traditional Good Friday and Easter Monday fixtures in recent years. It's often a deciding time in the promotion and relegation battles, but with less Premier League games, the matches over Easter are usually scheduled for the normal weekend slots.