How does prize money work in the EFL Cup?

What the report says

BBC Sport explains that the EFL Cup uses a different prize-money model from competitions such as the FA Cup and Champions League. Rather than paying out across every round, the tournament only has set prize money from the semi-finals onward. According to the report, the winners receive £100,000, runners-up £50,000 and losing semi-finalists £25,000.

The article says the competition is less about a large standalone prize pot and more about revenue streams that the English Football League treats as part of the tournament’s overall financial value. These include equal sharing of gate receipts between the two clubs in each tie, which can especially help lower-league sides when they are drawn away to a larger club. The piece gives an example of how ticket sales can produce substantial receipts, though it does not tie that example to a specific match.

BBC Sport also notes that clubs can earn facility fees when matches are shown on Sky Sports’ main channel, with payments starting from £75,000 and rising depending on progress in the competition. The article adds that the EFL Cup is worth about £110m a season to the EFL, including around £70m in central payments to EFL clubs, alongside additional direct earnings for Premier League and EFL teams. The report is framed as part of BBC Sport’s “Ask Me Anything” explainer service.