Quote Originally Posted by toptoon View Post
Was thinking about that today. The prize for getting automatic qualification will be more than money received for extra games if we miss out.
It would make sense that the 2 Ko games generate match day revenue + commercials.

The negative is the extra miles in the legs and additional congestion in the fixture schedule. Cost/benefit ration of the extra matches v impact on the other competitions over the remainder of the season.

Finishing top 8 teams are seeded, so they get an easier draw.

Subtotal for these fixed milestones: €44.12 million (participation + top 8 + R16 + QF).
Variable Performance Payments (League Phase Only)
These depend on results in the 8 league phase matches and final ranking:

Per Win: €2.1 million (a top 8 team typically needs 4–6 wins to qualify, adding €8.4–12.6 million).
Per Draw: €0.7 million (e.g., 2 draws = €1.4 million).
Ranking Bonus: €0.275–9.9 million, based on position (progressive shares: 1st place = 36 shares × €0.275m = €9.9m; 8th place = 29 shares × €0.275m ≈ €8m). Undistributed draw funds boost this slightly.

Typical Range for a Top 8 Team: €15–25 million (e.g., 5 wins, 1 draw, 8th place: ~€5 × €2.1m + €0.7m + €8m ranking + €2m top 8 bonus = €20.5 million total for league phase variables/fixed extras).
Total Estimated Earnings Up to Quarterfinals

Minimum (hypothetical worst-case top 8: 0 wins, 8 losses/draws adjusted, 8th place): ~€52–55 million (fixed €44.12m + minimal variables/ranking).
Realistic Average (4–5 wins, 1–2 draws, mid-top 8): €65–75 million.