The Championship play-off final has secured Fulham upwards of £135m in revenue for the victor, according to the latest report by Deloitte.
Highlighting the importance of promotion to the Premier League, Deloitte’s report highlights that Fulham has secure an increased revenue of £135m, whereas Brentford would have gained £160m if the side won the match-up.
Dan Jones, partner and head of the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, stated: “This season’s Championship has been temporarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however as the season comes to a close, all eyes will be on Wembley in what still remains world football’s biggest financial, winner-takes-all, prize match.
“Despite the disruption to the season, the league has remained extremely competitive at the top-end of the table, and yet again the play-off semi-finals have provided supporters and neutral football fans with excellent entertainment.”
The revenue boost for Fulham is split over three seasons and takes into account that the side would get relegated in the 2020/21 campaign.
However, according to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, the play-off winner alongside West Brom and Leeds could see greater revenue boosts if the clubs avoid relegation next season. If either side can do so then the report estimates that the club’s revenue will increase to at least £265m over a five year period.
The reason for this sharp revenue increase is due to the added financial benefits of competing in the premier league for a further year, alongside the club guaranteeing themselves three years of parachute payments should the club’s then get relegated.
Tim Bridge, director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, added: “The financial prize for Brentford or Fulham, as well as Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, is likely to be in excess of £265m if they survive their first season in the Premier League.
“Furthermore, given the recent impact of COVID-19, it is likely that the financial impact of promotion will be better received than ever before. The increased revenue provides these clubs with the platform from which they can develop on and off the pitch.
“Promotion to the Premier League provides clubs with the financial resources to make strategic investments. While this typically includes increased expenditure in on-pitch playing talent, it still remains important that promoted clubs are committed to their longer-term financial responsibility.”
