Eight matches have been selected for live TV coverage in the men's first round of the 2026-27 FA Cup. The 16 participating clubs will receive a live television broadcast fee of £50,000 on top of their participation fees. Broadcast fees increase as the tournament progresses, with third-round payments of £80,000 per club being paid in 2025-26, once Premier League teams entered the competition, rising to £120,000 by the fifth round. Broadcast rights for the Women's FA Cup are shared by TNT Sports and Channel 4, with Women's Super League clubs entering in the fourth round.
The prize money structure reflects the tournament's commercial growth, with broadcast revenue forming a significant portion of club income. As Premier League teams enter later rounds, the financial stakes increase substantially, creating greater incentive progression. The Women's competition maintains separate broadcast arrangements, highlighting the expanding profile of women's football.
Clubs will carefully map their FA Cup journey against league performance, using the financial rewards to support squad development and infrastructure investment. The tournament's prize fund continues to evolve alongside the sport's commercial landscape.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing