REVEALED: Manchester City claimed £153MILLION in prize money after winning the Premier League last season… while Norwich became the first side to earn more than £100m despite finishing bottom in 2021-22
The 2021-2022 Premier League season was a thrilling ride, filled with dramatic moments and surprising twists. One of the most notable stories to emerge from the season is the revelation that Manchester City, the eventual champions, earned a staggering £153 million in prize money. This figure is a testament to the wealth and success of the Premier League, which has become one of the most lucrative and competitive sports leagues in the world. For Manchester City, the prize money is a reward for their hard work and dedication on the pitch, where they won their fourth title in five seasons under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League’s merit payment system is designed to reward teams based on their final league position, with the champions earning the most. In this case, Manchester City earned a UK merit payment of nearly £34 million, as well as a further £7 million internationally. However, it’s interesting to note that their facility fees, which are paid out every time a Premier League club appears in a live televised game, were actually lower than those of Liverpool, who finished second in the league. This highlights the complexities of the Premier League’s financial system, where teams can earn significant amounts of money from television appearances and sponsorships, regardless of their final league position. For example, Newcastle United, who finished 11th in the league, earned more money than teams like Wolves and Brighton, who finished above them, due to their frequent appearances on live television.
One of the most surprising stories to emerge from the Premier League’s financial reports is the fact that Norwich City, who finished bottom of the table, earned a staggering £100 million in prize money. This is a historic milestone, as Norwich became the first team in the league’s history to earn £100 million despite being relegated to the Championship. While their domestic and international merit payments were lower than other teams due to their final position, they still earned significant amounts of money from facility fees and other sources. This highlights the wealth and resources available to Premier League clubs, even those who struggle on the pitch. For instance, Newcastle United’s appearance in 21 live games earned them more money than Wolves and Brighton, who were televised fewer times.
The Premier League’s financial system is designed to reward teams for their performances on the pitch, but it also takes into account other factors like television appearances and sponsorships. This can lead to some surprising discrepancies, where teams earn more money than others despite finishing below them in the league. For example, Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fourth in the league, earned more money than Chelsea, who finished third, due to their more frequent appearances on live television. Similarly, Everton and Leeds United earned more money than Southampton, despite finishing below them in the league, due to their more frequent appearances on live television. These disparities highlight the complexities of the Premier League’s financial system and the many factors that can influence a team’s earnings.
The Premier League’s total prize money for the 2021-2022 season was a staggering £2.5 billion, with all 20 clubs earning significant amounts of money. The league’s equal UK share of £31.8 million and internationally of £48.9 million was handed out to all 20 clubs, while the central commercial was set at £6.8 million. These figures demonstrate the wealth and resources available to Premier League clubs, and highlight the league’s status as one of the most lucrative and competitive sports leagues in the world. For instance, the £2.5 billion in prize money is a testament to the league’s ability to attract high-profile sponsors and television deals, which in turn benefits the clubs and players.
In conclusion, the Premier League’s financial system is a complex and multifaceted beast, with many factors influencing a team’s earnings. While the champions, Manchester City, earned a staggering £153 million in prize money, other teams like Norwich City and Newcastle United also earned significant amounts of money despite their lower league positions. The league’s facility fees, merit payments, and sponsorships all contribute to a team’s overall earnings, and can lead to some surprising disparities. As the Premier League continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the financial system develops and how teams adapt to the changing landscape. With the league’s wealth and resources showing no signs of diminishing, it’s likely that we’ll see even more exciting and competitive seasons in the years to come.
