FA Cup 2026-27: Financial Gains Await Competing Teams

As Manchester City gears up to defend their titles in the men's and women's FA Cups, the competition promises more than just silverware. For clubs in the lower leagues, the FA Cup represents a chance to significantly boost their finances. The oldest national football tournament in the world offers participation prize money for both winners and losers at nearly every stage, along with enticing TV bonuses and gate receipts that make progressing through the rounds even more appealing. This season, a staggering 743 teams are competing in the men's FA Cup, while 535 clubs are vying for glory in the women's tournament. But how is the prize money divided among these teams? The men's FA Cup features 14 rounds, including preliminary and qualifying matches, with prizes available for both winning and losing teams in almost every encounter. Similarly, the women's FA Cup has participation fees for all 12 rounds, benefitting both victors and defeated sides. In the men's first round, eight matches will be broadcast live, with two set to air on the BBC. The clubs involved will pocket a live TV fee of £50,000, adding to their participation earnings. As the tournament progresses, the broadcast fees rise dramatically. By the time the third round rolls around in the 2025-26 season, clubs will receive £80,000 each, with that number climbing to £120,000 by the fifth round as Premier League teams come into play. For the Women's FA Cup, broadcast rights are shared between TNT Sports and Channel 4, with Women's Super League sides entering the fray in the fourth round. According to FA Cup regulations, gate receipts are split evenly between the two competing clubs after covering hosting costs. This means that lower-league teams can experience a substantial financial windfall by facing off against a Premier League club starting from the third round. This article brings you the latest insights from the BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. Looking for more football-related queries? What about yellow card suspensions among Premier League players, or the EFL's homegrown player rules?