Leeds United could gain from £80m pot if Southampton join Ipswich via play-offs | OneFootball

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds United could enjoy a modest financial lift from the Championship play-offs if Southampton join Ipswich in an instant Premier League return. Extra equal-share money would then flow back to top-flight clubs.

Ipswich sealed automatic promotion with a 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Millwall, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough contest the play-offs, with first legs this weekend.

Second-year parachute payments were due at 45 per cent of the equal share this summer, about £40m per eligible club. Ipswich's promotion sends their £40m back into the Premier League pool to be shared among Leeds and their 19 rivals.

If Southampton win the play-offs, their £40m would also return, taking the total close to £80m and equating to roughly £4m per team. Last season the equal share was £89m, so first-year payments were just under £49m.

Parachute payments exist to cushion relegation. Leeds received them for two seasons after 2023, waiving a third instalment after promotion. Neither Ipswich nor Southampton would be due a third year.

Leeds are expected to bank over £100m in broadcast revenue this season, combining equal share and commercial income from domestic and international deals. Merit payments by position are worth just under £3m per place.

In 2022-23, 14th received £18.6m and 10th £29.1m. With survival all but secured, Daniel Farke's side will still chase strong finishes against Tottenham, Brighton and West Ham.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk