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The Richest Game in Sport: Is Tomorrow

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated May 23, 2025 1:02 PM ET

Put simply, no single game of any kind can match the expected revenue of the winner. And no it's not LIV Golf, not the NFL nor a World Series Game, or even a boxing match with a YouTuber, but contested by two 'unglamourous teams in England from South Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear...you still don't know?

Sheffield United and Sunderland are set to face off in the Championship playoff final at Wembley tomorrow. Dubbed the "richest game in sport," because the winner secures promotion to the English Premier League and an estimated $297 million in additional revenue. This financial windfall includes broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and increased matchday income per The Sun and talkSPORT.

For obvious reasons these games tend to play out more like a game chess.

Sheffield United, managed by Chris Wilder, aim to return to the Premier League after a challenging season that saw them finish bottom, winning only three games and conceding 104 goals. Wilder, who previously led the club to their best Premier League finish since 1991-92, returned in December 2023 to steer the Blades back to the top flight. Their experience at this level could prove crucial in the high-pressure environment of a playoff final.

Sunderland, under the guidance of French manager Régis Le Bris, are on the cusp of ending their top-flight exile since 2017. Le Bris has implemented innovative coaching methods, focusing on triangular passing and adaptive game plans, rejuvenating a squad with a median age of 22.4. Key players like 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham and 17-year-old Chris Rigg exemplify the club's commitment to youth development.

The stakes of this match highlight the importance of promotion and relegation in football. This system ensures that teams are rewarded or penalized based on their performance, maintaining a competitive balance throughout the league. It contrasts sharply with the closed-league models of American sports like the NFL, MLS, NBA and MLB where teams retain their status regardless of performance.

You don't dare lose.

In the United States, Major League Soccer (MLS) operates without promotion and relegation, a structure that has faced criticism for limiting competitiveness. However, the United Soccer League (USL) has announced plans to implement a promotion and relegation system by 2028, aligning more closely with global football standards. This move could revolutionize American soccer by introducing higher stakes and greater opportunities for clubs across divisions.

As Sheffield United and Sunderland prepare for their high-stakes encounter, the match serves as a testament to the drama and financial implications inherent in football's promotion and relegation system. The outcome will not only determine the immediate future of both clubs but also exemplify the broader debates about competitive structures in football worldwide.

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

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