The Premier League is ablaze with an under-the-table financial battle.

For the 2025/26 season, the Premier League for the first time allocated more than £3 billion to its 20 clubs, and the difference in earnings between the champion and the last-placed team continues to grow.

Arsenal's Premier League title after more than two decades not only brought glory but also a massive financial windfall. The "Gunners" are expected to earn £198.7 million in television rights for the 2025/26 season, surpassing Manchester City's previous record of £176.2 million in 2022/23 by over £20 million.

The Athletic estimates that the total amount distributed by the Premier League to its 20 clubs exceeds £3.1 billion, up from £2.8 billion in the previous three seasons. This is the first time the league has crossed the £3 billion threshold in history.

The main reason comes from prize money based on league position. This season, each place on the table is worth £3.76 million, up from £2.65 million last season. As a result, Arsenal received £75.2 million in performance bonuses. Five clubs — Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool — all surpassed the previous record.

The final matches of the season still carry significant financial implications. Six clubs — Chelsea, Brentford, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Everton, and Fulham — could shift their positions by up to six places, representing a difference of as much as £18.8 million. Sunderland defeated Chelsea 2-1 to climb to seventh place, earning an additional £11.3 million and a spot in the Europa League.

Even at the bottom, Burnley beat Wolves to earn an extra £3.76 million in prize money, a crucial sum for their upcoming season in the Championship.

Notably, international broadcasting rights now account for a larger share, with £1.13 billion distributed equally and £430 million based on performance, making up 50% of total distribution. Meanwhile, domestic rights have remained almost stagnant. This season, 277 matches were broadcast live in England, more than expected. Manchester United led with 34 games, earning about £23.9 million in broadcast fees.

Financially, Manchester United is the most impressive story, rising from 15th place last season to 3rd, earning £191.5 million — an increase of £55.3 million compared to the 2024/25 season.

However, the picture below the Premier League is rather bleak. While the 20 Premier League clubs share over £3.1 billion, the entire EFL receives only £362.5 million, equivalent to 12%. Of that, £225.4 million is in parachute payments for five clubs: Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Southampton (first year), along with Luton Town and Sheffield United (second year).

Conversely, Leeds United (relegated in 2022/23) and Burnley (relegated in 2023/24) no longer receive these payments as they regained promotion in the 2024/25 season. Under the rules, maximum support lasts only three years and ceases immediately when a club is promoted.

As a result, the remaining 67 clubs in the four lower divisions receive a total of just £137.1 million — an amount less than what 16 individual Premier League clubs earn. This highlights the increasingly severe distribution crisis between the Premier League and the EFL.