Why FA Cup progress matters beyond the result

The story

FA Cup progress brings financial rewards as well as sporting opportunity, with prize structures supporting clubs at different stages of the men’s and women’s competitions.

BBC Sport’s explainer reports 743 entrants in the men’s tournament and 535 in the women’s. The men’s competition spans fourteen rounds, while the women’s has twelve.

More than a single payment

Prize arrangements vary by competition and round. The women’s structure includes participation payments for both sides, while the men’s system provides winner and loser payments in most rounds.

Gate receipts and broadcast income can add to the value of a cup run. For a smaller club, progressing can therefore have an impact beyond the excitement of the next draw. The precise amount depends on the round reached and the applicable payment rules, rather than a single fixed reward for every team.