sport news Championship play-off final: Will Nottingham Forest or Huddersfield win at ... trends now
The figure seems to swell with every passing year but Sunday's Championship play-off final will be worth at least £135million to one of Nottingham Forest or Huddersfield Town.
That was the estimated windfall, over three years, calculated by accountants Deloitte in 2020 if the promoted side stays just one season in the Premier League.
If they stay up and enjoy a second campaign in the top-flight, that figure rises steeply to £265m over a five-year period. Either way, the cash is transformative.
Nottingham Forest's players celebrate after their penalty shoot-out win over Sheffield United
Joy for Huddersfield Town as a winner from Jordan Rhodes saw them past Luton Town
It's why, after nine gruelling months, the Forest and Town players will rouse themselves for one final effort this Sunday afternoon at Wembley Stadium.
But which of the two teams is better equipped to win promotion in what is sure to be a nerve-shredding encounter? Sportsmail takes a look in our play-off preview.
FORM GUIDE
Huddersfield definitely go into Sunday's final with the better momentum and are nine matches unbeaten.
That includes their semi-final win over Luton, which saw Danel Sinani's goal earn them a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road before Jordan Rhodes scored the 82nd-minute winner in a tense second leg to send them to Wembley.
They ended the regular season with four consecutive wins and seven games unbeaten, keeping them in the running for an automatic promotion spot until the final week of the season and giving them crucial momentum after finishing third.
Forest had to pick themselves up after a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth ended their hopes of finishing second in the final week and a last day draw at Hull saw them come fourth.
Brice Samba and Brennan Johnson embrace after Forest beat Sheffield United in the semi-final
Fans stormed onto the pitch after Huddersfield booked their place at Wembley against Luton
Their semi-final against Sheffield United, quite frankly, should have been considerably more straightforward than they made it.
Leading 2-0 in the first leg at Bramall Lane heading into stoppage time, having controlled the game, they allowed Sander Berge to head home a late response to keep the Blades in contention.
And after Brennan Johnson's strike in the return at the City Ground put them 3-1 ahead on aggregate, it all seemed done and dusted.
That Forest almost blew it from that position of strength is alarming. Two second-half goals from the Blades took it to extra time and Forest eventually prevailed on penalties thanks to heroics from keeper Brice Samba.
Their near-collapse will have given Steve Cooper plenty to ponder during the 10 days since that game.
WEMBLEY EXPERIENCE
It's been 30 years since Forest last played at the national stadium - Brian Clough was still in charge when they lost 1-0 to Manchester United in the 1992 League Cup final.
They are one of a handful of EFL teams who haven't walked out at the new Wembley but that will finally change on Sunday when they bid to return to the Premier League after 23 years away.
So Forest certainly aren't flush with experience of playing there. Huddersfield, by contrast, are.
They won promotion to the Premier League there in 2017, beating Reading 4-3 on penalties after a thoroughly uninspiring goalless draw. In 2012, the Terriers made it into the Championship by beating Sheffield United in a shoot-out.
It's bound to count for little, but at least Huddersfield have some experience of playing under the arch.
Huddersfield celebrate after winning the play-off final against Reading back in 2017
MEETINGS THIS SEASON
Honours even. Back in September, just a few days after Forest sacked manager Chris Hughton and with caretaker Steven Reid in caretaker charge, they won 2-0 at the John Smith's Stadium.
That was Forest's first Championship win of the season at the eighth time of asking, earned courtesy of goals by Lewis Grabban and an own goal by Town keeper Lee Nicholls.
Nonetheless, Forest remained rooted to the bottom of the table as Cooper was appointed three days later.
Forest picked up their first league win of the season at the John Smith's Stadium in September
Duane Holmes (middle) celebrates scoring what proved to be the winner at the City Ground
In the return at the City Ground on December 30, Huddersfield claimed a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal by Duane Holmes that strengthened their grip on the play-off places.
Forest were ninth at that point, five points off the top six, but now they meet again with everything on the line.
They then met in the fifth round of the FA Cup in March, with Forest winning 2-1.
MANAGERS
Two managers who have had a transformative effect on
