Thursday, April 30, 2026

UEFA Champions League Final Offers Big Payday in More Ways Than One

  • Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in London.
  • The winning club will earn $21.5 million.
Real Madrid - Vinicius Junior
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The top European club soccer competition will conclude in front of 90,000 fans in London on Saturday when Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund face off in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. By virtue of reaching the championship match, this year’s finalists have already locked in huge paydays, but there’s still even more on the line.

Saturday’s victorious club will earn $21.5 million, while the loser will take home $16.12 million. The winner will also seal the second available spot in the UEFA Super Cup, which annually features the winners of the Champions League and Europa League—this year won by Italian club Atalanta. Advancing to the Super Cup guarantees a $4.33 million prize, with an additional $1.08 million to the match’s winner.

Madrid is seeking its 15th Champions League trophy, while Dortmund is looking for its second. But both have already qualified for next season’s competition, as well as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. If they hadn’t, though, winning Saturday would have accomplished both of those feats. They’ll be guaranteed at least $19.35 million in prize money for the ’24–25 Champions League; the Club World Cup purse hasn’t been released.

Could U.S. Host in the Future?

Like the Super Bowl, cities bid to host the Champions League final each spring. Future hosts include Munich (2025) and Budapest (’26), with Milan seen as the favorite for ’27, pending upgrades at San Siro Stadium. 

Last year, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said that holding a Champions League final in the U.S. could be possible one day. This week, the leader of UEFA’s U.S. broadcast partner admitted that idea is still “routinely talked about.” 

Paramount will be paying a total of $1.5 billion until 2030 to continue showing Champions League matches Stateside, and CBS Sports president David Berson sees “tremendous upside” in opportunities like bringing games to the U.S. “I would not be surprised if over the course of these next six years you’ll see that in play,” Berson said on a press call previewing the final. “It’s something we’d welcome. I think it’s something UEFA would like.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Canada Says Barring Iran From FIFA Congress ‘Unintentional’

Gianni Infantino said Thursday the team would play at the World Cup.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

7 Questions About LIV After Saudis Pull Funding

LIV’s 2026 season is scheduled to run through August.
Tim Cook
exclusive

Seahawks Sale Watch: Zuckerberg, Cook Among Rumored Bidders

A source close to Apple denied Tim Cook’s interest.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.
April 29, 2026

Reports Reignite Talk of Saudi PIF’s LIV Golf Exit

The Saudi PIF will not fund LIV after the 2026 season.
April 30, 2026

Saudi PIF Confirms LIV Exit; League Creates New Exec Board

The league is searching for new investors to try to survive.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 29, 2026

NBA Execs Question New Anti-Tanking Proposal: ‘Doesn’t Make Sense’

Adam Silver sent GMs a new lottery proposal Tuesday.
April 29, 2026

NWSL to Keep Calendar for Rest of Decade After Player Pushback

Most players oppose a calendar flip, the players’ association says.
Paul Rabil
April 29, 2026

Next on the Premier Lacrosse League Roadmap: Team Owners

The PLL’s eight teams are currently all owned by the league.
Jan 10, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; The LIV Golf Promotions trophy is displayed on the first tee during the third round of the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch.
April 28, 2026

Louisiana Expecting LIV Golf to Repay $1.2M for Canceled Event

LIV Golf Louisiana was scheduled for June 25–28.