Record Premier League prize money revealed: How much clubs earned in 2025-26

Premier League clubs have hit a financial milestone in the 2025-26 season, with total prize money distributions surpassing £3 billion for the first time, an increase from the £2.8 billion distributed in each of the previous three campaigns.

Champions Arsenal lead the earnings list, projected to receive £198.7 million in broadcast revenues, marking a £27.2 million increase compared to the previous year. This surge is largely driven by a significant rise in 'merit' payments, which reward clubs based on their final league position. Each spot in the table was worth a record £3.76 million this season.

The growth is underpinned by the Premier League's expanding international television deals, which now account for 50 per cent of the total payouts. This revenue structure allows the league to maintain competitive balance, keeping the earnings ratio between the top and bottom clubs within established limits. Even the bottom-placed side, Wolves, saw their income rise to £117.7 million.

The financial impact of the final day was palpable across the division. Sunderland's victory over Chelsea boosted their final position to seventh, securing them an estimated £168.2 million—£11.3 million more than they would have earned had they finished 10th.

Despite the record-breaking figures within the Premier League, the distribution gap between the top tier and the English Football League remains a point of contention. Solidarity payments to clubs outside the top flight have not kept pace with the growth seen in the Premier League, highlighting ongoing challenges regarding financial distribution across the English game.