For subscribers

On the Ball

It’s Bilbao or bust for both Manchester United and Tottenham in Europa League

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min during training.

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min during training.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Follow topic:

Bilbao or bust, that’s the size of the task for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21. While fans dream of a night of continental glory, club executives are more focused on the broader financial stakes.

Victory at San Mames, in the heart of a Basque city brimming with excitement, offers more than just local glory: the winner secures access to lucrative Champions League revenue. For example, Arsenal earned £70 million (S$120.8 million) from Uefa alone by reaching the semi-finals. This doesn’t even include the additional income generated through commercial deals, which can significantly multiply the total earnings.

See more on