Champions League breakthrough grants Manchester City mammoth cash boost | OneFootball

Manchester City could be one of the big winners from the updated broadcast package agreed upon by UEFA for the future of the Champions League.

The Premier League giants have long benefited from consistency in Europe, both on the pitch and commercially, and the latest changes look set to strengthen that position further.

With UEFA revamping the tournament’s financial model – in tandem with recent adjustments to the competition’s format – clubs such as City are positioned to receive even greater rewards simply for reaching the group stage, let alone progressing.

These developments arrive as the Champions League continues to evolve into a more expansive, global product. City have already witnessed financial benefits of recent updates, including the league phase format and expanded prize allocations. As the tournament becomes increasingly attractive to broadcasters, UEFA’s revenue is climbing in turn.

For City, who regularly feature deep into the competition and consistently rank among UEFA’s highest coefficient earners, the updated package will only strengthen their already secure financial footing.

With Pep Guardiola’s side expected to challenge for the Champions League for years to come, the fresh broadcast boom could have direct consequences across transfer planning, infrastructure, and the wider football operation.

According to the information of The Sun’s Martin Lipton, Premier League clubs competing in the Champions League are set for a significant cash boost after European football’s governing body sold broadcasting rights of the tournament to Paramount+.

It is claimed that at least an extra £30 million is on the table for those who qualify for the competition, with the US broadcast giant replacing TNT Sports as the main broadcaster of the Champions League from 2027.

Results of an auction saw Prime Sport retain first pick of the Champions League’s Tuesday matches, while Sky Sports took on exclusive rights for Europa and Conference League games, with all new contracts running for four seasons.

The total value of English rights is estimated to be in the region of £560 million per year – an increase of around 25 per cent. The total value of the Champions League’s prize pot will rise from £2.2 billion per season to £2.75 billion, meaning an instant qualification pot of £20.6 million per club, up from £16.4 million.

Looking ahead, Manchester City stand to be one of the most significant beneficiaries of these changes. Their stature as one of Europe’s dominant forces ensures substantial broadcast and prize allocations each season, and the expanded pot will only amplify that.

In practical terms, the added revenue could influence the club’s medium-term transfer strategies, strengthen contract negotiations with key players, and provide further enhancements to the Etihad Campus infrastructure.

With UEFA planning continued growth and globalisation of its marquee competition, Manchester City’s financial position looks set to become even more formidable heading into the late 2020s.