How much prize money can teams win in FA Cup?

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports on how FA Cup prize money is structured for the 2026-27 competition, explaining why the tournament can be financially important for clubs as well as prestigious. The piece says the Football Association pays participation money to teams in both the men’s and women’s cups, with additional income possible from television coverage and gate receipts. It notes that the men’s event involves 14 rounds including preliminary and qualifying stages, while the women’s competition has 12 rounds, with most matches offering payments to both winners and losers.

The article highlights live TV fees as another source of income. In the men’s first round, eight matches have been selected for live broadcast, including two on the BBC, and the 16 clubs involved will each receive a broadcast fee on top of their participation payment. BBC Sport says these fees rise in later rounds, with larger sums attached once top-flight clubs enter the competition. It also notes that the women’s FA Cup broadcast rights are shared by TNT Sports and Channel 4.

The report adds that gate receipts are divided equally between the two clubs after hosting costs, which can give smaller sides a meaningful financial advantage if they are drawn away to a bigger team. Overall, the article frames the FA Cup as both a sporting competition and a potential revenue source, especially for lower-league clubs.