The Premier League season has officially finished, meaning clubs now know how much prize money they are expected to receive based on their final positions.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the title and will receive the biggest financial reward after finishing top of the table.
Meanwhile, every movement in the standings carried huge financial consequences across the division.
Even climbing or dropping by one place proved massively important for clubs because each league position carries an extra payment worth around £2.6 million based on last season’s figures.
That number could rise slightly this year because of inflation and updated broadcasting revenues.
The Premier League previously confirmed that merit payments work on a sliding scale depending on league position.
The champions receive 20 times the base merit payment, second place receive 19 times, and the system continues all the way down to 20th place.
However, league position only represents part of the money clubs receive.
Premier League sides also collect huge sums from domestic and international broadcasting deals alongside central commercial revenues.
Those television payments continue generating enormous wealth across English football.
Even Southampton, who finished bottom last season, still received more than £100 million through television money and various central payments.
Liverpool reportedly earned around £174.9 million after winning the league last season. Also, Southampton collected £109.2 million despite finishing 20th.
This season’s numbers are expected to remain around similar levels before the final totals become official later this summer, according to The Standard.
Manchester United could receive around £165.5 million after finishing third and securing Champions League football under Michael Carrick.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could still collect around £160.2 million despite dropping to fifth place during a disappointing campaign.
The Premier League’s financial power continues to separate it from every other league in world football.
Even clubs battling relegation still earn huge sums compared to teams across Europe.
That financial advantage also explains why every league position becomes so important during the closing weeks of the campaign.
For some clubs, one extra place in the table can completely change transfer budgets heading into the next season.
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