The winner of the Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough will secure a financial windfall estimated between £180 million and £220 million, depending on broadcast shares and future survival in the Premier League.
Match Details
The highly anticipated fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23, with kick-off at 3:30 PM BST. Coverage on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event begins at 2:30 PM.
Prize Money Breakdown
Minimum prize: If the promoted club is relegated after one season, immediate revenue from broadcast rights, facility fees, and merit payments totals around £110m–£130m. Combined with two years of parachute payments, the minimum baseline is roughly £180m.
Maximum prize: If the winner avoids relegation in their first season, the figure jumps to an estimated £220m due to an extra year of Premier League TV revenue and higher commercial sponsorships.
Historical Context
When Hull City won their first play-off final in 2008, the prize pot was about £60m. Last year, Sunderland defeated Sheffield United 2-1 to secure a £220m revenue baseline.
Spygate Controversy
Middlesbrough's appearance follows the expulsion of Southampton from the play-offs for filming Boro's private training sessions. Southampton received a four-point deduction for next season, upheld on appeal.
Team News
Hull City are without striker Kyle Joseph (ankle surgery) and Eliot Matazo, but Cody Drameh and Amir Hadziahmetovic have returned to full training. Middlesbrough welcome back Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry, but Tommy Conway and Alfie Jones are ruled out.
