UEFA Conference League Winners Roll Of Honor: Complete Champions History And What Winners Earn
Since its inaugural season in 2021, the UEFA Conference League has fundamentally reshaped European club football. Beyond lifting a major continental trophy, every winner gains a transformational prize—most notably direct entry into the following season’s UEFA Europa League league phase.
As the 2026–27 campaign gets underway this August 2026, understanding the pedigree and stakes of this competition is vital for fans and club strategists alike. Here is the definitive breakdown of past champions, total financial rewards, and the current qualification landscape.
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Final Score | Host Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | AS Roma | Feyenoord | 1–0 | Tirana, Albania |
| 2023 | West Ham United | Fiorentina | 2–1 | Prague, Czechia |
| 2024 | Olympiacos | Fiorentina | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Athens, Greece |
| 2025 | Chelsea FC | Real Betis | 2–1 | Wrocław, Poland |
| 2026 | Real Betis | Fiorentina | 1–0 | Leipzig, Germany |
Tactical Triumph and Evolution: How European Contenders Conquered the Stage
The competition's early years established a fierce battleground where tactical versatility met continental ambition. José Mourinho set the standard in 2022, leading AS Roma to a gritty 1–0 victory over Feyenoord to become the inaugural champion. That victory proved the tournament's immense commercial and emotional value for mid-tier European giants.
Subsequent editions elevated the tournament's prestige across the continent:
- 2023: David Moyes guided West Ham United to their first major European trophy in 58 years, defeating Fiorentina in dramatic fashion in Prague.
- 2024: Olympiacos made Greek football history by defeating Fiorentina in extra time in Athens, proving that non-top-five league teams could achieve major continental glory.
- 2025: Chelsea FC showcased top-tier Premier League depth, battling past Real Betis in Wrocław to claim the trophy.
- 2026: Real Betis finally broke through in Leipzig, securing their first UEFA club title after narrowly missing out in previous seasons.
The introduction of UEFA’s 36-team single league phase format vastly expanded the schedule. Champions must now navigate a grueling multi-stage calendar against diverse opposition.
Europa League Access, Prize Money, and Broadcast Guide
Lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy delivers immediate, high-value structural and financial benefits to the winning club. The competition serves as both a lucrative revenue stream and a direct gateway to elite European football.
Key rewards guaranteed to the tournament champion include:
- Europa League Berth: Automatic qualification into the following season’s UEFA Europa League league phase, allowing the club to bypass risky summer qualifiers.
- Financial Prize Purse: A direct champion winning bonus of €5 million, boosting a club's total campaign earnings up to €15 million to €20 million when accounting for TV market pools and results bonuses.
- Coefficient Points: Critical ranking points that elevate both the winning club’s seeding and their domestic league’s UEFA coefficient ranking.
- Silverware Prestige: Ownership of the 11-kilogram custom hand-crafted trophy for their club cabinet.
Supporters tracking the 2026–27 tournament can access live matches through major rights holders. In the United Kingdom, matches air live on TNT Sports and discovery+. United States viewers can stream fixtures on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, while regional rights across Europe remain hosted by networks like DAZN, Canal+, and Movistar+.
Why UEFA Conference League winners Chelsea won't be involved in Super Cup
The 2026–27 Campaign Roadmap and Title Race Outlook
With the 2026–27 qualifying rounds reaching their peak in late August 2026, dozens of clubs across Europe are locked in play-off battles to earn one of the coveted 36 spots in the primary league phase.
The competitive landscape remains unpredictable. Clubs from top European leagues face stiff resistance from dominant champions representing Scandinavian, Eastern European, and Balkan domestic circuits.
Key operational dates for the current campaign:
- Late August 2026: Play-off round second-leg deciders and league phase draw.
- October 2026: League phase Matchday 1 kickoff across Europe.
- December 2026: Mid-season standings finalized before the winter break.
- May 2027: Final showcase match to crown the sixth champion.
As tactical demands increase, squad depth and rotational management will determine which team joins the elite wall of champions next spring.
