The value of promotion to the Premier League this season for clubs that did not receive parachute payments will be at least £170 million and could reach a minimum £290m if they avoid relegation next year, according to Deloitte Sports Business Group.
The figures are based on the extra revenue the clubs will get from the Premier League's broadcast rights next season and guaranteed parachute payments for two seasons if relegated in 2018.
That breaks down to a minimum of £95m, mostly from Premier League's central distributions, and approximately £75m in parachute payments in 2018-19 and 2019-20, as clubs relegated after one season in the top flight are now eligible to only two years of payments.
Brighton are the only current Championship team certain to earn this much in extra revenue so far, as champions Newcastle will get a smaller increase in central distributions because they received a parachute payment this season, having been relegated from the Premier League last term.
But only Fulham of the four Championship playoff teams had a parachute payment this season -- about £10m -- meaning the potential upside for Huddersfield, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday is the same as it is for Championship runners-up Brighton.
The huge increase in revenue for clubs promoted to the Premier League is why the Championship playoff final, which takes place on May 29, is often billed as the most lucrative game in world football.
It also illustrates the growing gap between the leagues and the financial pressure to stay in the English top flight once there.
Fulham and Reading play their Championship playoff semifinal first and second legs on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, with Huddersfield and Wednesday meeting on Sunday and Wednesday.