History of UEFA Euro Prize Money Since 1996

UEFA European Championship is the flagship national-team competition in Europe organised by UEFA. It is widely regarded as the second-biggest international football tournament in the world behind only FIFA World Cup in global audience and commercial value.

Evolution UEFA Euro Prize Money Fund Since 1996

UEFA Euro total prize money fund has been on the rise at rapid rate since 1996. In 1996, a total of €48.7 million was distributed among 16 participating nations while the last edition which took place in 2024, UEFA distributed massive €331 million between 24 teams.

Cummulative Earnings: UEFA distributes EURO prize money using a cumulative, per-round earnings system. At Euro 2020, for example, all 24 participating teams received a guaranteed €9.25 million. Additional payments were awarded based on performance, including €1 million for each group-stage win and €500,000 for every draw.

Teams who qualifiy for round of 16 earned another €1.5 million. quarterfinalists earned €2.5 million each. Followed by €3 million each for all four semifinalists. Eventual winners get €8 million for winning the final while runners-up pocket €5 million. So if a team win all three group games and go on to win the tournament can earn maximum of €28.25 million. 

The table below breaks down the prize money allocations for every edition since 1996. A major increase in the prize fund occurred in 2016, when the tournament expanded to 24 teams and 51 matches, resulting in a substantial rise in overall revenue.

All prize money figures above are taken from official UEFA reports published on UEFA website or released via pdf with their revenue and expense reports. UEFA release round by round breakdown how money is distributed and they have been following the same process since 1996.