May 6 – Promotion to the Premier League could be worth around £170 million to the winner of Saturday’s sudden death decider between Middlesbrough and Brighton, according to financial analysts Deloitte.
That figure could expand by around 41% to £290 million if whoever goes up avoids relegation in their first season in the top flight.
Burnley have already made it back at the first time of asking and the second automatic spot is up for grabs.
“Promotion to the Premier League provides clubs with the resources to make strategic investments on and off the pitch,” Richard Battle, senior manager in Deloitte’s sports business group, told the BBC.
“While the short term priority is usually investment in the playing squad, a strong emphasis on ongoing financial stability can leave a club well positioned for the future – whether or not they survive that first season.”
Middlesbrough, out of the Premier League for the last seven years, are in the stronger position going into Saturday’s encounter, with home advantage knowing that avoiding defeat will take them into the Premier League. Brighton are looking to return to the top flight for the first time since 1982-83. Whoever loses will still have another chance via the playoffs.
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