South America’s two premier club competitions — the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana — kick off their 2026 campaigns this week, once again highlighting not only sporting ambition but also a significant financial divide.
Both tournaments, organized by CONMEBOL, offer clubs valuable revenue streams. However, the gap between their respective prize pools remains substantial.
In the Libertadores, clubs earn $3 million just for reaching the group stage, with an additional $330,000 awarded for each win. Prize money increases in the knockout rounds: $1.25 million in the round of 16, $1.7 million in the quarterfinals, and $2.3 million in the semifinals. The runner-up receives $7 million, while the champion takes home $24 million.
By contrast, the Sudamericana operates on a much smaller scale. Group stage participation brings in $300,000 per team, with knockout round payments of $600,000 (round of 16), $700,000 (quarterfinals), and $800,000 (semifinals). The runner-up earns $2 million, and the winner collects $6.5 million — less than a third of the Libertadores champion’s prize.
The disparity underlines the financial hierarchy within South American club football, where the Libertadores continues to stand apart as both the most prestigious and the most lucrative competition.