Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain will receive a significant financial windfall if they win the 2025/26 Champions League title in Budapest on May 30.
Both clubs have already guaranteed significant payouts from their domestic successes, but will pocket even more if they lift the prestigious trophy.
With that in mind, read on as we take a close look at how much money Arsenal and PSG will make as champions this season.
Arsenal set to break Premier League record
After recently being confirmed as Premier League winners, Arsenal are on course to set a new revenue record for the season.
The club will post revenues of approximately £770 million if they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final at the end of this month.
That figure would surpass Manchester City’s £715m in 2023/24, and move Arsenal into third place on the football rich list behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Winning the Champions League would secure automatic qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea banked £90m for winning the tournament last summer.
Commercial sponsorships are a key part of how Premier League clubs generate revenue and Arsenal’s primary deals will include bonus clauses for winning the Champions League.
UEFA broadcast and prize money is £124m for reaching the final in Budapest and a further £4m for winning the competition.
However, despite their on-field successes, the club’s increased spending on transfers and salaries will likely result in them posting a loss for the season.
The Gunners have spent almost €1 billion on new players over the past five years, but have recouped less than one-quarter of that figure from outgoing transfers.
PSG are flourishing in a sustainable manner
While Arsenal will receive an estimated £176m for winning the Premier League, PSG’s rewards from their domestic success are a little more modest.
With Ligue 1 not having the same broadcast or commercial pull as the Premier League, PSG will bank approximately £52m for claiming top spot this season.
However, the 2024/25 Champions League winners have an economic model which allows them to compete on an equal footing with other major European clubs.
The posted record revenues of €837m last season, a figure primarily fuelled by commercial income of €367m and matchday revenues of €175m.
Their wage bill, previously recorded at 111 percent of turnover, is now approximately 65%, reflecting a responsible and sustainable financial strategy.
PSG has expertly leveraged its global appeal by exploiting in opportunities in international markets such as the United States, Japan, China and the Middle East.
A new stadium project will future-proof the club’s earnings, helping them to diversify revenue streams and strengthen their position within the French capital city.
PSG have expertly leveraged their domestic dominance to become a major player in Europe, and their upward trajectory is unlikely to stop anytime soon.
Champions League revenue skews the playing field
Aston Villa’s success in this season’s Europa League will likely be worth around £40m when factoring in prize money, broadcast payments and sponsorships.
That figure is dwarfed by the riches on offer in the Champions League, and highlights why clubs are so desperate to feature in the competition.
While critics believe the disparity of wealth is destroying competitiveness in football, the financial gravy train is showing no signs of slowing down.
The revised format in each of the three European competitions has created a landscape in which shock outcomes have become an alien concept.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will be unconcerned as they strive to pour even more money into their coffers at the end of this month.