The African football landscape is known for its passionate fanbase, competitive leagues, and rising financial rewards for top teams. In recent years, several leagues on the continent have increased their prize money, reflecting the growing financial stakes in African football. Here’s a look at the seven African leagues with the highest prize money, highlighting the monetary incentives driving competition.
- South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL)
The PSL, now known as the Betway Premiership due to its sponsorship, stands at the top of the list with the highest prize money in Africa. Starting from the 2024-25 season, the league has increased its prize fund to R20 million (Ksh147.6 million) for the champions. This is a significant boost from the previous amount of R15 million (Ksh110.7 million), which had already positioned the PSL as the most lucrative league on the continent. Mamelodi Sundowns, the most successful team in recent years, are the primary beneficiaries of this increase. However, the competition is intensifying with clubs like Orlando Pirates pushing for the top spot this season. - Morocco’s Botola Pro
The Moroccan league, Botola Pro, offers a prize of $603,000 (Ksh78.2 million) to its league winners. The league has witnessed significant competitiveness in recent years, with Wydad AC, AS FAR Rabat, and Raja Casablanca all taking turns at the top. The current season is no exception, with RS Berkane, currently leading the table, providing fresh competition to the traditional giants. The league’s increased competitiveness, along with its sizeable prize money, reflects Morocco’s growing prominence in African football. - Egyptian Premier League
The Egyptian Premier League, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious leagues, offers $500,000 (Ksh64.9 million) to the team that wins the title. Al Ahly, the dominant force in Egyptian football, have captured 44 league titles, a remarkable achievement that makes them the most successful club in the country. Despite Zamalek’s occasional breakthroughs, Al Ahly has regained control of the league in recent years, and their deep financial resources and fan support give them an edge in their quest for yet another league crown. - Tunisia League 1
Tunisia’s top division, League 1, provides a prize of $300,000 (Ksh39 million) to the winners. Esperance de Tunis, the most decorated team in the country, have been the dominant force in the league, claiming seven of the last eight titles, with the exception of the 2022-23 season when Etoile du Sahel interrupted their streak. Esperance’s continued success ensures that they are one of the top teams in African football, with financial rewards that further motivate their relentless pursuit of titles. - Tanzania NBC Premier League
The Tanzanian league, NBC Premier League, offers $250,000 (Ksh32.4 million) in prize money for its champions. This league has benefited from significant sponsorship deals, helping boost the financial landscape of football in the country. Yanga SC, with 30 league titles, and their fierce rivals Simba SC, have dominated the league in recent years, with Yanga winning the last three consecutive titles. However, Simba, currently performing well this season, is aiming to reclaim their title after a period of dominance from Yanga. - Ethiopian Premier League
The Ethiopian Premier League provides a prize of $200,000 (Ksh26 million) to its champions. St George, the most successful club in Ethiopia with 31 league titles, remains the dominant force, although CBE surprised many by winning the league last season. Ethiopian football has a competitive edge, with teams like St George and Mechal frequently challenging for the title, making it an exciting league despite the lower prize fund compared to some of its African counterparts. - Nigeria’s NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)
The NPFL offers $160,000 (Ksh21 million) as the prize for its league champions. While not as lucrative as other African leagues, the NPFL remains one of the most watched leagues on the continent, with major clubs like Enyimba and Enugu Rangers competing at the top. Enyimba, with nine titles, and Rangers, with eight, are historically the two most successful clubs in Nigeria, but the league remains competitive with teams like Remo Stars pushing for the title this season.
These seven leagues represent the top tier of African football, where financial rewards have grown substantially in recent years. Clubs and players alike are motivated by the increasing prize money, which contributes to the development and competitiveness of the sport across the continent. As the leagues continue to attract sponsorship and investments, the future of African football looks increasingly promising, with greater financial incentives playing a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory.
