The full list of teams for the 2025/26 Premier League season has been confirmed after a shocking winner in the Championship play-off final on Saturday.

Sunderland AFC and Sheffield United faced off in the winner-takes-all clash at Wembley Stadium. The favorites, Sheffield United, finished 14 points ahead of Sunderland in the regular season and took the lead in the first half, but Sunderland mounted a comeback to secure a historic victory and earn their return to the Premier League.

The decisive goal came from a 95th-minute curler by Sunderland's young star Tommy Watson, who has had a challenging few months. The 19-year-old recently agreed to join Brighton & Hove Albion and was booed by his own fans in a subsequent match.

Although Watson may leave the team this summer, his magical moment has ensured Sunderland's return to the Premier League after eight years and provided his boyhood club with a substantial financial boost.

The Richest Game in World Soccer

The playoff match between Sunderland and Sheffield United may lack the global appeal of the World Cup final or the prestige of the Champions League, but in terms of financial impact, it could be considered the biggest game in the world.

By winning, Sunderland has secured a spot in the Premier League, reaping all the benefits of the world's most-watched league. According to BBC Sport, the Black Cats are set to receive a £200 million ($271 million) windfall from this victory.

A significant portion of this comes from the Premier League's massive television rights deals, totaling around £12.25 billion ($15.3 billion) for the 2025 to 2028 cycle. The UK broadcast deal alone is worth approximately £6.7 billion ($9.1 billion) over four years.

Even if Sunderland is relegated right away, they will benefit from substantial parachute payments over the next three years, allowing them to outspend most Championship teams.