The UEFA Women’s Champions League is approaching its climax, after an enthralling season which has seen the number of viewers skyrocket, including a record attendance as Barcelona hosted Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie.
All eyes will be on Turin, come the final on May 21, for a clash of titans to decide this season’s winner. Defending champions Barcelona are an all conquering side, and look capable of sweeping anyone before them. But they’ll come up against Lyon, they’ve lifted this trophy seven times, three more than anyone else. Barcelona’s triumph last season put an end to five consecutive Champions League successes for the French side, and they’ll be gunning for revenge.
With women’s football quickly growing in popularity, as evidence by both the broadcaster audience, and the growing attendances, both teams will be eager to win, and stamp their authority as the best team in Europe, at a pivotal time in the growth of the game.
The 2021/22 edition of the competition has seen group stages introduced, for the first time in the tournament’s history. In previous years, the Champions League was a straight knockout competition, but this year saw ever more matches played as the squads taking part had to navigate a 16 team group stage. The addition of a group stage to the competition has revamped the potential prize money available for all teams taking part.
Culers, the world record for attendance at a women’s football match is ours! pic.twitter.com/Hu94A9PXDO
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 30, 2022
How much does Women’s Champions League winner earn?
Winning the Women’s Champions League is potentially worth up to €1.4 million (£1.12m) in total, taking into account the money available for participation in the group stage of the competition. The losing finalist is also likely to see a payout in the region of €700,000 (£561,000). Prize money for the Women’s Champions League is made up of a financial reward for group stage performance, as well as further prize money depending how far a team gets in the knockout stages of the competition.
€250,000 (£200,000) is reportedly the reward for winning the final, while the losing finalist receives €200,000 (£160,000). Teams knocked out in the semi-final receive €50,000 (£40,000), while losing quarter-finalists are rewarded for reaching that stage of the competition with €25,000 (£20,000).
The finances of the tournament have changed with the introduction of the group stage. UEFA rewards every club which takes part in the group stage with a minimum of €400,000 (£320,000), with additional prize money depending on results in the group stage. A group stage draw is worth €17,000 (£13,600), while a win in the group stage is worth €50,000 (£40,000). In addition, teams who win their group are rewarded with a further €20,000 (£16,000).
Finally, teams also receive €20,000 (£16,000) from UEFA for every stage of the competition they take part in.
MORE: Champions League prize money breakdown 2022: How much do the winners get?
Women’s Champions League prize money breakdown 2022
| Stage | Prize Money |
| Winner | €250,000 (£200,000) |
| Runner up | €200,000 (£160,000) |
| Losing semi finalist | €50,000 (£40,000) |
| Losing quarter finalist | €25,000 (£20,000) |
| Group winner | €20,000 (£16,000) |
| Group win | €50,000 (£40,000) |
| Group draw | €17,000 (£13,600) |
| Group stage participation | €400,000 (£320,000) |