Heart of Midlothian could bank more than £17.5m in Champions League prize money if they reach the league phase next season. With one league fixture remaining, Hearts and Celtic are locked into the top two, and their final-day clash at Celtic Park will decide who claims the title. A Hearts victory would end their 65-year league drought and guarantee entry at the play-off qualifying round.

Finishing second means Hearts start in the second qualifying round, adding two extra matches and cutting their financial return. Celtic's 2024-25 turnover hit £143.6m compared to Hearts' £24.4m, underscoring a vast revenue gap. The winner of that final match not only clinches bragging rights but also positions themselves for a shorter qualifying path and the full Champions League pay-out.

European qualifying pay-outs range from £17.5m for Champions League league phase entry down to £2.75m for the Conference League. Each league phase victory is worth £1.8m, with draws at £600k. The financial stakes make that final fixture against Celtic as much a business decision as a football one.