Source: Telegraph
Manchester United awarded biggest slice of Premier League television money in 200809
United claimed a total of almost £51.5 million in broadcast revenue last season, £1.75 million more than they received for winning the league in 2007-08, and £1.4 million more than was received by last year's runners-up, Liverpool. [LNB]The income, which represents around 20 per cent of United's turnover and is a record for Premier League winners, derived from four separate strands of broadcast income. [LNB] Related ArticlesFerguson concerned about United's air milesFerdinand: Owen and Berbatov will shineOwen to be left out of England squadFerdinand targets early returnUnited move to secure Park's futureAnderson's United future uncertainThe Premier League's annual report reveals that it distributed just over £1 billion for the first time last year, with £790 million going to the 20 top-flight clubs. [LNB]Half of the domestic income was distributed equally, giving each club a guaranteed payment of just short of £14 million. Overseas TV revenue, worth £192 million last year, is also split evenly, giving clubs another £9.6 million. [LNB]The remaining 50 per cent of the domestic money is split on the basis of performance merit payments based on position in the table and facility fees for appearing in live games. [LNB]Finishing first was worth £15 million, and United featured live more than any of their rivals, 25 times in total, to scoop almost £13 million more. [LNB]Facility fees were responsible for boosting Liverpool (24 live games) and Chelsea's (20 games) income, and tellingly Newcastle also featured 20 times despite being relegated, bringing in almost £10.5 million. [LNB]That contrasted with a merit payment of just £2 million, and is income that will be impossible to replace in the Championship. [LNB]The table reveals that television interest remains focused on the biggest clubs, with eight Premier League clubs Bolton, Fulham, Hull, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Stoke, Sunderland and Wigan receiving only the guaranteed minimum facility fee of just under £6 million. Middlesbrough received the lowest pay-out, earning just £31 million in their relegation season. [LNB]The League made parachute payments of £70 million to Championship clubs, and distributed a further £136 million throughout the game. The Professional Footballers' Association received £17 million and the Football Foundation £15 million. [LNB]The Football League received a further £11.2 million in solidarity payments and £5.4m for youth development. [LNB]
