Progress in the FA Cup would move Sunderland closer to a potential £4.1m prize pot as they face Oxford United this afternoon
Sunderland kick off at 2pm on Sunday against Oxford United knowing progress in the FA Cup will bring more than just momentum - it will also deliver another financial boost.
Sunderland booked their place in the fourth round after eliminating Everton in dramatic fashion, a result that has already strengthened the club’s coffers. Victory in the third round earned the Black Cats £121,500 in prize money. Even defeat at that stage would have guaranteed £26,500. Now, with a trip to face Oxford United on the agenda, the financial stakes increase again.
If Régis Le Bris’ side win on Sunday, they will collect a further £127,000 for reaching the fifth round. The rewards rise sharply from there. A fifth-round victory would be worth £238,500, while winning a quarter-final tie brings in £477,000. The semi-finals represent a significant jump - clubs that reach and win at that stage receive £1,060,000, while those beaten still take home £530,000.
The financial incentives peak at Wembley. The runners-up in this season’s FA Cup will earn £1,060,000, while the winners will bank £2,120,000 in prize money alone. Should Sunderland go all the way, the total prize pot would reach £4,144,000. There is also additional revenue available through television selections. Clubs whose matches are broadcast live on linear television receive £80,000, while ties streamed exclusively on discovery+ are worth £40,000. Sunderland’s third-round win over Everton was shown live, adding to the overall return from that fixture.
FA Cup prize money by round this season:
Third round winners: £121,500
Third round losers: £26,500
Fourth round winners: £127,000
Fifth round winners: £238,500
Quarter-final winners: £477,000
Semi-final winners: £1,060,000
Semi-final losers: £530,000
Final runners-up: £1,060,000
Final winners: £2,120,000
Total prize money if Sunderland win the FA Cup: £4,144,000
Reinildo Mandava previews FA Cup clash at Oxford United
Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava has underlined the importance of the FA Cup ahead of the Black Cats’ fourth-round trip to Oxford United on Sunday.
The competition carries deep significance on Wearside. Sunderland have not lifted the trophy since their famous 1973 triumph, though they reached the final in 1992 and the semi-final in 2004. It remains a tournament that stirs genuine emotion among supporters.
Mandava made clear he fully appreciates that history and the scale of the challenge awaiting Le Bris’ side. “Since I was a kid I watched too much Premier League. FA Cup also. I know it’s a big competition so we will give everything. It’s a tough pitch to play there in Oxford. It will be an intense game. But we are ready to fight, just like every day.”
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The Mozambican also revealed that Régis Le Bris has already addressed the squad about the significance of the tie, particularly given Sunderland’s defeat at the same venue last season. “The manager talked and explained to us how important this cup is for us and the club. We know it will be a hard, hard game, but we will take all of our guns to go there and fight.
“Last season we lost there against them. So we have another opportunity to go and show different things and play to win. That’s why we are working every day, we are working to win [the cup]. That’s why I’m telling you that we go there to give everything because we know the importance of this cup for the team and we’ll keep going and fighting until the end.”
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