The richest match in sport takes place on Sunday as Leeds United and Southampton will meet to determine the final promoted team to the Premier League. After both were relegated during the 2022-23 season, one will return straight to the top flight, while the other will spend another season in the Championship, which will only increase the stakes at Wembley.
The benefits of a return to the Premier League for this duo may not be the same as Luton town promoted last season, but make no mistake: this is where everyone wants to be. According to Deloittethe winning team will see a turnover increase of at least £140 million, which could rise to £305 million if they want to avoid relegation. This is due to parachute payments that increase in value if a team can stay in the Premier League for more than one season.
Losing in this match is where things can get tough for a team, as the top teams in the Championship usually spend beyond their means in the hope of reaching the Premier League. Due to sale of James Ward-ProwseRomeo Latvia, Tino Livramento, Nathan TellaAnd Mohammed Salisudo the Saints have a net spend that could see them do well even if they don’t get promoted straight back to the Premier League, while Leeds United will end up in a more serious situation.
Leeds had a balanced transfer budget this season thanks to sales Tyler Adams Unpleasant Bournemouth but balanced won’t be good enough due to the lack of Premier League revenue. If Leeds United don’t promote valuable players such as Archie Gray And Wilfried Gnonto may need to be sold to balance the books. This is why if a team does not earn promotion to the Premier League in their first season in the Championship, the road back to the top flight can be a long one.
The stakes are also why the promotion final can be so exciting. Since 2014, only one play-off final has seen more than two goals scored, and that required extra time Fulham to do that, beat Brentford 2-1 in 2020. Two finals in the last 10 have also involved penalties, so don’t expect many goals on Sunday when so much is at stake.
