The EFL Cup distributes money differently than competitions like the FA Cup or Champions League. While most tournaments pay prize money round by round, including in qualifying, the EFL Cup only offers specific round payments from the semi-finals onward.
Winners of the EFL Cup receive £100,000, compared with just over £2.1 million for this season’s FA Cup champions.
Instead of a large prize pot, clubs earn through various revenue streams that the EFL effectively treats as the competition’s prize money.
Gate receipts are split equally between both clubs, regardless of who is hosting. This can particularly benefit lower-league teams drawn away to a major Premier League side with a larger stadium. For example, selling 40,000 tickets at £20 each generates £800,000 in gate income.
Clubs can also earn substantial sums from EFL Cup Facility Fees. A match broadcast on Sky Sports’ main channel brings in at least £75,000, with higher fees available as teams advance.
In total, the EFL Cup is worth around £110 million per season to the EFL, including roughly £70 million in central payments to EFL clubs, with additional revenue flowing to both Premier League and EFL teams from direct earnings.