Southampton earns PL promotion in world's richest game

Southampton players celebrate by dancing around the Championship play-off winner’s trophy during the Championship Play-Off Final between Leeds United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Sports Press Photo

Southampton earns Premier League promotion in world's richest game

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 5/26/24

Southampton F.C. secured an English Premier League promotion, and a massive financial windfall, on Sunday.

In the English Championship League playoff final dubbed the richest game in the world, Southampton striker Adam Armstrong scored a goal at the 24-minute mark, helping the Saints earn a 1-0 victory over Leeds United.

SAINTS are BACK pic.twitter.com/EY9IVAEfzP
— Southam(P)ton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2024

According to Deloitte's Sports Business Group, Southampton will receive £140M ($177M) over the next three seasons through "projected increases in matchday, broadcast and commercial revenue." Ben Morse of CNN added this figure will increase to £305M ($386M) if the club avoids relegation next season.

Southampton joins Leicester City and Ipswich Town as the only teams to earn a Premier League promotion. After the victory, Saints defender and captain Jack Stephens couldn't contain his emotions.

"I'm so proud to be captain of this club. I'm so proud of the boys today, I think they've been unbelievable," Stephens told Sky Sports, via Morse." I think we probably didn't play our best game today but we showed a different side. A few people have doubted us over this season. Can we defend? Can we dig in? I think we really showed that today."

Meanwhile, the loss is another huge disappointment for Leeds United. Per ESPN, this was the sixth time the club failed to move up to the Premier League through the playoffs.

To add salt to the wound, Leeds United finished third in the English League Championship in the regular season but lost five of its last six games, missing out on the automatic Premier League promotion.

Southampton also had Leeds United's number this season. In addition to winning at Wembley Stadium, the Saints beat the Whites in their home and road matches.

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