Rising importance of the FA Cup

FA CUP

The sponsors of the FA Cup are absolutely delighted with this years competition and the exposure it has given them. Any sponsor wants the top teams contesting a final for maximum interest and this season the semi-final line up could well be four of the top five teams in the Premier League.

Emirates are the sponsors of the 2016/17 FA Cup, the 136th edition with it's final at Wembley lessened in importance by the semi-finals being played there. 736 teams compete in 149 matches for one to be victorious.

However, prior to getting there there have been big stories along the way. Everyone like a giant killing, they have become less frequent now there is more money in the game but this season has been different. For the first time since 1914 we have a non-league side in the quarter-finals and naturally Arsenal have drawn them, they so frequently get the easiest of routes.


Prize Money
Extra Preliminary Round winners (184) £1,500
Preliminary Round winners (160) £1,925
First Round Qualifying winners (116) £3,000
Second Round Qualifying winners (80) £4,500
Third Round Qualifying winners (40) £7,500
Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) £12,500
First Round Proper winners (40) £18,000
Second Round Proper winners (20) £27,000
Third Round Proper winners (32) £67,500
Fourth Round Proper winners (16) £90,000
Fifth Round Proper winners (8) £180,000
Sixth Round Proper winners (4) £360,000
Semi-final losers (2) £450,000
Semi-final winners (2) £900,000
Final runners-up (1) £900,000
Final winner (1) £1,800,000
Total £15,132,000
We joined the competition in the Third Round proper so we have picked up £67,500 for beating Aston Villa, £90,000 for beating Wycombe wanderers and £180,000 for beating Fulham, a total of £337,500.

Lincoln, if my calculations are correct, have picked up £395,000 so far, gained tremendous exposure and as they are sitting comfortably on top of the National League, have set themselves up to be able to finance a real shot at staying in League Two at least.

The competition needed a fresh injection of interest with even Championship sides fielding weakened teams, this season has certainly provided it.

Further THBN Reading
Spurs to stay second
Harry Kane phenonimal
Problems with Pochettino mean Sissoko will leave
Showing Intent or not showing Intent?
Marcus Edwards isn't ready to start against Millwall
Which side should face Millwall?
There must be better value players than Wilfried Zaha

---

Over 700 Spurs articles at Tottenham Hotspur News

---