Big Trophies & Big Bucks

Second only to the global wonder that is a World Cup, the UEFA Champions League is - as you probably know - the trophy that bears the name of the finest team in world football.

Every year, 32 teams from different ends of Europe do battle for the honour of being called the continent’s finest, and also for the endless riches on offer. Winning the Champions League is not only amazing because of the prestige that a club earns from doing so, but also for the money. The effect of Champions League participation is tangible and obvious in how it takes a team from obscurity to the elite.

Not only does the club join an elite crop of teams to have won the title, but it also becomes a much bigger player in the transfer market, in a multitude of ways:

1. Increased Exposure

By playing Champions League football, clubs ensure that the international fan-base, so ripe for the taking, will know who they are and how they play.

Shirt sales increase and lucrative pre-season tours are planned, in order to lure every single fan around the globe that would dare to watch them play.

2. Transfer Allure

By participating in the Champions League, clubs can offer transfer targets something that is much sought-after; top-tier football.

While other leagues may be better and other teams may have more money, assuring transfer targets that they will play the highest level of club football is a terrific boost to any proposal. Many of the world’s elite players - who sell shirts and attract crowds - only accept to play for Champions League clubs.

It also means that transfer targets are more likely to play for their respective international squads, thereby extending the fan-base to their countries.

3. Direct Earnings

The Champions League is probably the most consistently rewarding competition.

Whilst World Cup revenue flutters depending on the host nation and the organization of the tournament, the European cash cow seems to never stop profiting.

Last season, eventual winners Real Madrid (having finally conquered La Decima) pocketed a cool $76 million, with bottom-of-their-group side Viktoria Plzen earning $14 million.

Compare that with Sevilla’s (Europa League Champions)$18 million prize money for beating Benfica on penalties.

4. Larger Sponsorship Packages

Days before Chelsea FC faced Bayern Munich on their home turf in their legendary 2012/2013, Sunny Hwang, Samsung’s vice president and head of worldwide sports marketing said,

"Being associated with a winning team is much better than a failing team so it’s natural that Samsung should wish Chelsea could win. Of course that will play an important role when we decide whether or not we renew the contract"

Clearly, the onus was on Chelsea to claim victory or watch a sponsorship deal end in an awful fashion.

After that historic win, Chelsea FC signed the then largest kit deal with Adidas until 2023.

Many teams, including British side Arsenal FC, have been accused of prioritizing the financial boons of Champions League participation more than winning domestic cups. This might be an underwhelming footballing practice, but is sure a sound business one.

If you want to make money, then why not do it going for the trophy that can’t be defended?