Soccer’s richest game returns to London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with Sheffield United and Sunderland facing off in the Championship promotion playoff final.
The match will determine who will join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League, following their direct passage after finishing first and second in the Championship. Not only will they gain the prestige of competing at the top level, but also the lucrative prize of nearly $300 million that comes with it.
United and Sunderland come to Wembley with contrasting paths to this moment. United, who dropped to the Championship just a year ago, aim to return swiftly. In contrast, Sunderland hope to end an eight-year drought from the Premier League, a journey that included multiple seasons in League One.
This Championship final is the first of three promotion playoffs at Wembley this weekend, with Charlton facing Leyton Orient in the League One final and Wimbledon taking on Walsall for the League Two spot.
How to Watch the Championship Promotion Playoff Final
- Date: Saturday, May 24 | Time: 10:01 a.m. ET
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Sheffield United +135; Draw +200; Sunderland +230
Why is This Soccer’s Richest Game?
One-off matches with massive prize money are not unique, but the Championship playoff final stands out as one where the outcome shifts dramatically between a monumental payoff and nothing at all. The winner gains at least $295 million just for entering the Premier League next season, a stark contrast to the $65 million that Championship teams typically receive for first-time relegation.
The victor of Saturday’s final will benefit from the Premier League’s fresh domestic broadcast agreement starting next season. Their entry fee will rise from around $228 million to $295 million, excluding additional funds based on their seasonal performance.
Sheffield United’s Path to the Final
Last Premier League Appearance: 2023-24
Total Premier League Seasons: 6
Sheffield United missed automatic promotion by 10 points but retained the core squad from their last Premier League season, finishing third with 90 points, outperforming Sunderland by 14 points. Their playoff journey started strong with a commanding 6-0 aggregate victory against Bristol City.
Sunderland’s Path to the Final
Last Premier League Appearance: 2016-17
Total Premier League Seasons: 15
Sunderland is on the brink of returning to the Premier League after an eight-year hiatus following consecutive relegations and a lengthy stay in League One. This is their second playoff appearance since returning to the Championship, culminating in a dramatic semifinal triumph against Coventry City, sealed by Daniel Ballard’s late goal in extra time.
