Luton Town and Coventry City will meet at Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the richest game in sport, with a spot in the Premier League up for grabs. The winner could earn at least £170m ($215m), rising to £290m if they avoid relegation. Deloitte’s Sports Business Group assistant director, Zai Udwadia, said the prize would play a crucial role in recruiting playing talent, investing in infrastructure and improving the fan experience. Since 2008, eight of the last 15 playoff winners have fared well in the Premier League. Neither Luton Town nor Coventry City has been in the top flight since 2001.
The richest game in sport is coming to Wembley as Luton Town and Coventry City meet Saturday with a spot in the Premier League on the line. Neither team has been in the top flight since 2001 but one drought will end and it’s one that could be worth at least £170 million In light of the recent report by Deloitte.
The duo have followed quite the path to Wembley defeating Sunderland and Middlesbrough and will look to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the top flight.
“Should the winner avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League, there could be a financial uplift in excess of £290 million. However, only a small number of newly promoted clubs have survived their first season back in the Premier League, and the winner will be focused on maintaining their new position in the highest revenue-generating football league in the world,” assistant director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Zai Udwadia. “This weekend’s prize will play a crucial role in helping to recruit playing talent, as well as investing in infrastructure and fan experience to give the promoted side the greatest chance of remaining amongst the best teams in England.”
Udwadia makes a good point about what the team has to gain, especially following a season where all three promoted teams will remain in the Premier League. Since 2008, the winner of the playoff has been fairing well in the Premier League with eight of the last 15 seasons which will give these teams hope despite a lot of work needing to be done to prepare.
How to watch and odds
Date: Saturday, May 27 | Time: 11:45 a.m. ETLocation: Wembley Stadium — LondonTV: None | Live stream: ESPN+Odds: Coventry City +210; Draw +190; Luton Town +145 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Coventry City: Mark Robins’ team had the weird distinction of playing Middlesbrough three times in a row. They were tense matches with two ending in draws but when it mattered, Coventry were able to emerge with a victory away thanks to a goal from Gustavo Hamer. They’ll need more than two shots on target to best Luton in the final but with a defense that can contain potent attacks, they’ll have a chance to push the match to penalties.
It’s a winner-takes-all match as Luton Town and Coventry City battle for a spot in the Premier League. The Championship playoff final is often referred to as the richest game in football, and this year is no exception. With a spot in the top flight on the line, both teams will be giving it their all.
Neither team has been in the Premier League since 2001, but the winner of this match will have the chance to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the top tier of English football. The financial rewards of promotion are huge, with Deloitte estimating that the winner could earn at least £170 million.
Should the winner avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League, they could see a financial uplift in excess of £290 million. However, newly promoted teams often struggle in their first season back in the top flight, so both Luton Town and Coventry City will be focused on maintaining their position in the league.
The Championship playoff final has a history of producing exciting matches, and this year’s final promises to be no different. Both teams have fought hard to get to Wembley, with Luton Town defeating Sunderland and Coventry City coming out on top against Middlesbrough.
Coventry City will be looking to continue their momentum after defeating Middlesbrough in three tense matches. Luton Town, on the other hand, will be hoping to build on their impressive form this season, which saw them finish in the top four.
The match kicks off at 11:45 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 27th, and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. The odds are currently in Luton Town’s favor, with Coventry City at +210 and Luton Town at +145 (via Caesars Sportsbook).
Regardless of the outcome, both Luton Town and Coventry City have had successful seasons and will be looking to build on their achievements next year. The Championship playoff final is always a thrilling match, and this year’s final promises to be no exception.
Photo Credit: chiefswire.usatoday.com
