Premier League central broadcast revenue has two main parts: domestic money is split 50:25:25, while international revenue is shared equally at its existing level and any increase is paid by league position with a 1.8:1 cap.
How the domestic and international pots are split
Here is the full breakdown of how the two pots are shared.
| Revenue | How it is shared |
|---|---|
| Domestic broadcast, equal share | Half, divided equally between the clubs |
| Domestic broadcast, merit | A quarter, by final league position |
| Domestic broadcast, facilities fee | A quarter, for televised matches |
| International broadcast, existing level | Shared equally |
| International broadcast, any increase | By final league position, capped at 1.8:1 |
| Central commercial | Shared equally |
This structure uses different rules for different streams. Domestic broadcast revenue mixes an equal share, a league-position element and a facilities fee tied to televised matches. International revenue separates the existing level from any growth above it, while central commercial revenue is shared equally.
How domestic broadcast revenue works
Domestic broadcast revenue is not paid out in one single way. One part is shared equally across the clubs, one part depends on where a club finishes in the table, and one part is paid as a facilities fee for televised matches.
The merit element and the facilities fee are different mechanisms, and both sit inside the same domestic broadcast pool.
How international broadcast revenue works
International broadcast revenue used to be shared equally between the clubs. From 2019/20, the existing level continues to be shared equally, but any increase is distributed according to final league position.
The existing level stays equal, while any increase is linked to final league position. International money is not entirely equal and not fully merit-based; the two rules run side by side.
What the 1.8:1 cap means
Any increase in international broadcast revenue is distributed by final league position, but the formula caps the ratio between the highest-earning and lowest-earning club. If revenue rises far enough to hit that ceiling, extra income is then distributed in a way that keeps the ratio in place.
Here are the key ratio figures.
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Cap on highest-to-lowest club ratio | 1.8:1 |
| Total central revenue ratio in 2017/18 | 1.6:1 |
| Total central revenue ratio in 1992/93 | 2.1:1 |
The cap does not remove league-position payments. It sets a ceiling on the spread between top and bottom earners once the international growth element is added.
FAQ
Do clubs only receive central money from TV deals?
No. Central commercial revenue is also part of the central distribution system, and it is shared equally between the clubs. The central pool includes domestic broadcast, international broadcast and central commercial revenue.
What is the merit payment in the Premier League?
The merit payment is the domestic broadcast share that is awarded by final league position. International broadcast growth is also linked to finishing position, but it sits in a different part of the overall distribution system.
Is the facilities fee based on league position?
No. The facilities fee is paid for televised matches. It is separate from the merit element, which is determined by final league position.
Is international TV money still shared equally?
Not in full. The existing level is still shared equally, but any increase is distributed by final league position. Those two rules now operate side by side.