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Premier League Flops Hope for $100 Million Champs League Windfall

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated May 14, 2025 12:27 PM ET

On May 21, 2025, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in the Europa League final at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. Both teams, languishing in 15th and 16th in the Premier League, have endured dismal domestic campaigns. This match offers a shot at redemption and a coveted spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

The stakes are monumental. The winner will secure Champions League qualification, worth over $100 million in revenue from prize money, sponsorships, and broadcasts. For clubs struggling financially and competitively, this windfall could reshape their futures, because both squads needing overhauling.

Manchester United’s season has been particularly grim, with a record-low Premier League points tally. A victory would waive a $10 million sponsorship penalty from Adidas, easing financial strain. Manager Ruben Amorim has called the final a chance to salvage a tough season.

Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, are chasing their first trophy since 2008. Spurs have dominated United this season, winning all three encounters, including a 4-3 League Cup thriller. Their confidence is tempered by the absence of key midfielder James Maddison, injured for the final.

The Europa League’s new format, without Champions League dropouts, has favored underdogs like United and Spurs. Both teams capitalized, with United crushing Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate and Tottenham dispatching Bodo 5-1. This all-English final marks the sixth in major European competitions, three involving Spurs.

For fans, the match is a bittersweet spectacle. United’s Mason Mount and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke are in fine form, promising a tight contest. Yet, the irony of two bottom-half teams vying for Europe’s elite competition isn’t lost on supporters.

The financial implications extend beyond the clubs. Champions League qualification could fund squad rebuilds, crucial for both teams’ long-term Premier League ambitions. A loss, however, risks further decline, with no European football next season.

This final is more than a game; it’s a lifeline. For Manchester United, it’s about erasing a season of embarrassment and securing financial stability. For Tottenham, it’s a chance to end a trophy drought and restore pride.

The Bilbao showdown kicks off next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, with streaming available on Paramount+

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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