Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship play-off final prize money 2025: How much do the winning team receive?

      by

      THE Championship play-off final will take place TODAY with two of the second tier’s biggest sides battling for a spot in the Premier League.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will go head-to-head in the blockbuster Wembley showpiece this afternoon.Sheffield United are eyeing an immediate Premier League returnCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard’s last-minute header sent Sunderland through to the Championship play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Blades booked their place in the play-off final with a comfortable win over Bristol City in the semis.Boyhood Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to lead his side to an immediate return to the top flight.Sunderland’s route to the final wasn’t quite as plain sailing with Dan Ballard’s dramatic 122nd-minute header securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry.The Black Cats have had four seasons in League One during their 8-year Premier League exile, but today could be the day they end their much-anticipated wait for a top flight return.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat is the Championship play-off final prize money?Sheffield Utd and Sunderland aren’t just battling it out for the right to play at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates next season, but for the huge financial reward that comes with promotion to the Premier League.The winners of the Championship play-off final will receive a minimum of £200million – that’s £60m more than Southampton got last term.And the money doesn’t stop there, as whoever claims Premier League status will secure a share of the new domestic television deal, which is worth £6.7bn across four seasons.The Wembley winner will also receive centralised commercial fees, facility fees and merit payments.Most read in ChampionshipShould the play-off victor be relegated back down to the Championship, they would be entitled to parachute payments.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will also take home a share of the gate receipts from the Wembley play-off final, which is an estimated £2m.Past Championship play-off final prize moneyIt’s safe to say the value of winning the Championship play-offs has significantly increased over the years.In 2005, West Ham received £31m for beating Preston in the final – that’s a mammoth £189m less than this year’s prize.Here is a look at how the value of the Championship play-off final has changed in the last two decades:2025 – £200m2024 – £140m2023 – £170m2022 – £170m2021 – £178m2020 – £135m2019 – £170m2018 – £160m2017 – £170m2016 – £170m2015 – £120m2014 – £80m2013 – £120m2012 – £90m2011 – £90m2010 – £90m2009 – £60m2008 – £60m2007 – £60m2006 – £40m2005 – £31mWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be broadcast on Sky Sports.The matches will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have LIVE coverage of all three play-off finals as they happen. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

      by

      SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Women’s Champions League 2025 prize money: How much is on offer for Arsenal and Barcelona?

      by

      THE pinnacle of the women’s football season takes place TODAY!The biggest game in the calendar is on our doorstep – and Arsenal women have the chance to win their first Champions League title since 2007.Arsenal are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time since 2007Barcelona could make it four wins out of the last five in the competitionIt’s been a very long wait for the Gunners who have had a barren spell in Europe in recent years.They reached the semis in 2023 but that was their best performance since 2013.This will also be the first time they have reached the final since that special win under Vic Akers.Alex Scott, long before she became a fixture on our TV screens, scored the only goal over two legs against Swedish side Umea.Read more Arsenal newsBut this is a different task entirely, with Arsenal now facing Barcelona – one of the most dominant sides ever.This will be the Femeni’s FIFTH consecutive women’s Champions League final, with three wins in the previous four.They have lost just three matches all season, have already won the Spanish league title and are on for the treble.Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers will have her work cut out.Most read in FootballWhat is the Women’s Champions League prize money?Uefa announced last summer that the total prize pot for the competition remains at €24million (£20.2m), the same figure as last season.Each club was given a base reward for reaching the competition and there were then bonuses for wins and draws.Prize money also increased the further a team went into the competition.The breakdown is as follows: Group stage base reward: €400,000Group stage win bonus: €50,000Group stage draw bonus: €17,000Group winner bonus: €20,000Quarter-final: €160,000Semi-final: €180,000Runner-up: €200,000Winner: €350,000How much prize money have Arsenal won?Arsenal were handed €250k in prize money on top of the €400k base after winning five of their six group-stage matches.They also earned a €20k bonus for topping the group.Having reached the final, they have earned a further €340,000.Total prize money so far: €1,010,000 (approx. £850,000)Read More on The SunBarcelona also won five of their six matches to top the group so have won the exact same amount.When is the Women’s Champions League final and how can I watch it?The Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona takes place on Saturday, May 24.Kick-off is at 5pm BST, with the march held at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK.The game is also available to live stream for FREE on Discovery+ and DAZN’s YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Maxi Hughes vs Archie Sharp: Start time, TV channel, stream and full card as TWO belts are up for grabs in Doncaster

      by

      MAXI HUGHES fights in front of his home fans as he clashes with Archie Sharp in Doncaster.The vacant WBA Continental and WBC Silver titles will be on the line at Eco-Power Stadium, home of League Two side Doncaster Rovers.Maxi Hughes is looking to add to his 28-7-2 recordCredit: GettyArchie Sharp comes into the fight with a record of 25-1-0Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA WireMaxi “Maximus” Hughes comes into the bout with a record of 28-7-2, having won three of his last five fights, losing two of them.He has won six of his 28 victories by KO.26-year-old Archie Sharp comes into the bout looking to beat the veteran, and has a record of 25-1-0, with nine of his wins coming by KO.Sharp has an age advantage, but still has racked up almost as many wins as 37-year-old Hughes has over his career.Read more BoxingHow to watch Maxi Hughes vs Archie Sharp and is there a live streamMaxi Hughes vs Archie Sharp comes LIVE from Doncaster Rovers Eco-Power Stadium.The clash will be shown on DAZN to over 200 countries. Streaming options start at £14.99 for a yearly commitment, or £24.99 for a monthly commitment. When does Maxi Hughes vs Archie Sharp start?Maxi Hughes vs Archie Sharp is LIVE on Friday, May 23.The pair will clash on the undercard of the Terri Harper vs Natalie Zimmermann, and are the penultimate fight on the night.Hughes and Sharp are expected to make their ringwalks around 9pm BST.Full cardTerri Harper v Natalie Zimmermann (WBO lightweight title)Maxi Hughes v Archie Sharpe (WBA Continental & WBC Silver lightweight titles)Reece Mould v Lewis Sylvester (IBO Continental lightweight title)Tysie Gallagher v Ebonie Jones (British & Commonwealth super-bantamweight titles)What has been said?Maxi Hughes told SunSport: “I was out in the front garden about three weeks ago, mowing the lawn or doing some DIY, and a fella I had never met before, from three doors down, came over and leaned on my fence. Most read in Boxing“He went; ‘Eh-up young’un, can I have a word?’ “I walked over worrying he wanted a row about something but he says: ‘I’m coming to your fight but I’ll not be drinking. So, if you want a lift there and back, let me know’.“I thanked him and explained that this sort of stuff is all arranged for us. More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      What happens if Napoli and Inter finish on the same points in Serie A?

      by

      THE Serie A title could be decided TONIGHT as Napoli and Inter remain locked in the hunt for silverware.Both clubs will play their season finales this evening as Antonio Conte’s side host Cagliari and Simone Inzaghi’s men travel to Como.Napoli are in pole position for the titleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialInter are the underdogs for the Serie A titleCredit: AFPNapoli are in pole position for their second league title in three years as they have 79 points, one more than Inter.Should the Blues claim victory over Cagliari, they will guarantee their status as Serie A champions.A draw would also be enough, but that would require Inter not to win at Como.Inzaghi’s side can only win the league title tonight if they win and Napoli drop points.READ MORE IN SERIE AThere is a scenario that both clubs could finish on the same points after 38 games – but what will happen if that’s the case?What happens if Napoli and Inter finish on the same points in Serie A?If Napoli lose at home to Cagliari and Inter draw at Como, both clubs will finish on 79 points.In the Premier League, the tiebreaker would be goal difference, but the same is not applied in Serie AIn 2022, the league reintroduced a rule which means the teams who are battling for the title or fighting relegation will face each other in a one-off play-off if they have the same points tally, regardless of goal difference or head-to-head record.Most read in FootballThe rest of the league standings is decieded by head-to-head, should multiple teams be on the same amount of points.The winner-takes-all play-off would take place on Monday, May 26, at either the San Siro in Milan or, for safety reasons, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.The only time the Scudetto play-off has occurred was in 1964 when Bologna and Inter finished level on 54 points. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun: Start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for huge heavyweight clash

      by

      MOSES ITAUMA is hoping to keep his destructive streak going as he faces Mike Balogun on a huge Glasgow bill!Itauma, 20, has won all 11 of his pro-bouts with his last four being stunning knockout victories.Moses Itauma has won all of his eleven fightsCredit: GettyAnd after most recently stopping Demsey McKean as early as round one, the Slovakian-Nigerian is chasing the dream of challenging for a world title.However, Itauma will have to get past American star Balogun who goes into this fight off the back of a huge unanimous decision win against Lamont Capers.But that encounter took place in March 2024, so it is set to be a really tough test for Balogun.When is Itauma vs Balogun?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will take place on Saturday, May 24.Ring-walks for this huge encounter are set to get underway at approximately 9pm.Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 12,306 people.These timings are subject to change depending on the other fights on the undercard.This bout is featuring on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s welterweight clash against Ekow Essuman.Tickets for the event are still available on Ticketmaster.Read more on Moses ItaumaPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.What TV channel is Itauma vs Balogun on and can it be live streamed?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN.DAZN subscriptions cost £119.99 annually or £14.99 per month.There is also a monthly flexible pass, that can be cancelled at any time, for £24.99.The fight is available on DAZN TV or can be live streamed via the website or downloadable app.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog every fight from the event as it happens.What is the full card?Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman; WelterweightMoses Itauma vs Mike Balogun; HeavyweightNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor; FeatherweightAloys Jr vs David Jamieson; CruiserweightAston Brown vs Reece Porter; MiddleweightDrew Limond vs Ezequiel Gregores; Super welterweightLuke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas; Super lightweightAlex Arthur Jr vs Robbie Chapman; Light heavyweightLuke Bibby vs Cesar Ignacio Paredes; LightweightLee Welsh vs Tony Morton; Super lightweightMarcus Sutherland vs TBA; Super bantamweightReese Lynch vs Jonatas De Oliviera; Welterweight More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman: Start time, TV channel, live stream and full card as pair clash for WBO International title

      by

      JOSH TAYLOR takes on Ekow Essuman in a Scottish homecoming fight THIS Saturday!Taylor is looking to rectify back-to-back defeats as he takes on 36-year-old Essuman.Josh Taylor is looking to get his career going again after back-to-back lossesCredit: Steve Welsh/PA WireEkow Essuman (right) comes into the clash off the back of consecutive victoriesCredit: Ian Hodgson/PA Wire’The Tartan Tornado’ Taylor comes into the clash off the back of two losses, having been beaten by Teofimo Lopez before losing his rematch to Jack Catterall in May 2024.Ekow ‘The Engine’ Essuman comes into the bout with a record of 21-1-0, with eight of his 21 victories coming by KO.Essuman’s only defeat came at the hands of Harry Scarff in 2023, losing by unanimous decision in Manchester, meaning Taylor will look to be the first man to KO Essuman to get back to form.The Engine in turn looks to be the first man to KO Taylor, with both of his defeats coming by unanimous decision, with whoever can score the victory becoming the WBO international welterweight champion. Read more BoxingWhen is Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman?Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman is LIVE on Saturday, May 24.Coverage of the card starts at 7pm BST on DAZN.The fight takes place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.Ringwalks for Taylor vs Essuman are expected at around 10pm BST.Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.*Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.How to watch Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman and is there a live stream?The bout will come live to fans on DAZN to over 200 countries.An annual DAZN subscription costs £119.99 or £14.99 for monthly.There is also monthly flexible pass – which can be cancelled at any time – for £24.99.The broadcast is on DAZN TV or can be live streamed via the website or app.SunSport will blog all the action from the card as it happens.Full cardJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman; WelterweightNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor; FeatherweightAloys Junior vs Davie Jamieson; CruiserweightMoses Itauma vs Mike Balogun; HeavyweightLuke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas; Light welterweightAlex Arthur Jr vs Robbie Chapman; Super middleweightMost read in Boxing More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Will Man Utd be in Europe next season after losing the Europa League final?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a tough defeat in Bilbao as Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for a trophy.The massive win also meant Spurs booked their spot in next season’s Champions League.Man Utd lost the Europa League final to TottenhamUnited failed to create chances in a poor gameBrennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game with one of the scrappiest strikes you’re ever likely to see in a major European final.A cross came in from the left and missed the front post before hitting Luke Shaw and heading towards goal.Johnson then barely got a touch as the ball squeezed past Andre Onana to give Spurs the lead three minutes before the break.Read more Europa League finalUnited dominated possession after the break but failed to create many chances.Mickey van der Ven made an acrobatic clearance from the line after a Rasmus Hojlund header before Guglielmo made a smart save from Luke Shaw late on.Will Man Utd be in Europe next season?The short answer is NO – despite up to TEN teams possibly playing in European competition next season.But after losing the Europa League final Ruben Amorim’s side will NOT be one of them.Most read in Europa LeagueThat’s because the Red Devils will end the Premier League season well out of the European places.They currently sit 16th.In 2025-26 there were set to be five English teams in the Champions League.That’s one more than the usual four, because of Premier League clubs’ performance in Europe this season has earned them a bonus spot.Tottenham are now also in the competition after their epic win, making it a whopping SIX sides playing at world football’s top table. There are also two spots for English clubs in the Europa League – one is traditionally given to the team finishing fifth, but this season that is a Champions League place.The other Europa League spot has gone to Crystal Palace after they won the FA Cup against Man City last week.Complicating factors are Chelsea and Newcastle.The Toon have already qualified for the Europa Conference League having won the EFL Cup earlier this season, while the Blues are in the Conference League final next week.Read More on The SunWith both of those team still able to qualify for the Champions League based on final league position, the likes of Brighton and Brentford still have a chance of Europe.But it won’t be Man Utd. More