On May 21, 2025, under the bright lights of San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham defeated Manchester United and won the UEFA Europa League Trophy. A thoroughly unimpressive performance filled with sloppy play and missed opportunities by both teams, Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson score the lone goal in an otherwise forgettable final. However, for Tottenham fans, there are two reasons to celebrate: 1. The Spurs, who have long been mocked for their lack of trophies, won their first trophy in 17 years; and 2. Despite finished in 17th place in the Premier League the season (one place above relegation), Tottenham will be competing in the UEFA Champions League next year due to the win. This begs the question: how much will Tottenham make from qualifying for next year’s Champions League, a competition they would not have qualified for had they not won the Europa League?
How We Got Here
Tottenham’s thoroughly unimpressive performance was preceded by arguable the easiest route to the Europa League final in recent memory. During the ‘league phase’ (formerly known as the group stage), Tottenham’s two most difficult opponents were Galatasaray (3-2 defeat) and Roma (2-2 draw). After finishing the league phase with a 5-2-1 record, Tottenham qualified for the knockout rounds. With consecutive drawings of AZ Alkmaar (which required a second leg comeback) and Eintracht Frankfurt (missing two key starters), Tottenham faced noted European powerhouse Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semifinals. After dispatching the Norwegian minnows, whose annual budget (~£12.5m) is slightly larger than Heung-min Son’s salary (£9.9m), Spurs faced Manchester United in the Europa League final at San Mames. United, competing with Tottenham for the most underwhelming Premier League season, were wretched throughout the season, which showed during the final.
Tottenham’s Financial Reward
As mentioned above, Tottenham’s Europa League final win not only comes with a trophy, but is also accompanied by significant financial gain. First, Tottenham took home £10.95m for winning the Europa League final, £5m move than runners up Manchester United took home in prize money. Second, and more substantially, Tottenham’s win qualifies the Spurs for next season’s Champions League competition. There are numerous revenue streams this qualification unlocks for next season, including broadcast revenues, Champions League specific merchandise, ticket sales for matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (formerly White Hart Lane), sponsorship opportunities, and various financial bonuses based on match results during the Champions League ‘league phase.’ All told, the estimate financial reward for qualifying for next year’s Champions League thanks to Tottenham’s Europa League final victory is ~£100m (depending on various bonuses, new sponsors, and contracts). For context, when Daniel Levy purchased his first stake in the team, he paid £22m for a 27% stake in 2000, valuing the team at just over £81m.
What Will Tottenham Do With the Extra Earnings?
An extra £100m in the coffers, particularly in a world where Financial Fair Play/Profit and Sustainability exists, is an immense amount of money. Also, as one would expect with a 17th place finish in the Premier League, Tottenham have some glaring issues that need to be addressed. A team interested in being competitive in next year’s Champions League would bolster the back line (particularly if Romero is sold), look to add a playmaking midfielder, and invest in a consistent number 9 that Tottenham has desperately been missing since Harry Kane left. With Premier League wages and the guarantee of Champions League competition next season, Tottenham could lure some talented players to north London (Gyokeres, Jonathan David, Eze, Puado, etc.). However, given Daniel Levy’s reputation as a “tough negotiator” and his general unwillingness to spend money in the transfer market, expecting high-quality new additions to help Tottenham compete in the Champions League. Additionally, Tottenham need to find a new manager, having sacked Ange Postecoglou (due to the 17th place finish in the Premier League) less than a month after winning Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years.
Tottenham may have some new silverware but the 17th place finish proves that “Spurs gonna Spurs” is still alive and well.
Big Five FC 