Arsenal’s long wait for Premier League glory is finally over after Mikel Arteta guided the club to its first league title in 22 years.
The triumph not only ends years of frustration for the North London club but also brings major rewards on and off the pitch, ranging from the Premier League trophy and winners’ medals to financial gains and European qualification.
Premier League trophy
The most visible reward for Arsenal is the Premier League trophy, which will be decorated in the club’s red and white colours.
Interestingly, the Premier League maintains two identical trophies during the season. One remains with the reigning champions, while the other is used by the league for official purposes.
The trophy itself stands 3ft 5in tall and weighs 25.4kg. Its base, which carries the names of previous champions, accounts for a large part of the weight.
The design also reflects the theme of “The Three Lions of English Football.” Two lions appear above the handles, while the captain lifting the trophy becomes the symbolic third lion.
Because Arsenal sealed the title after their final home game against Burnley, the official presentation will now take place after their final match of the season away at Crystal Palace.
Winners’ medals for players and staff
Alongside the trophy, Arsenal will receive 40 commemorative Premier League medals.
Under Premier League rules, players who made at least five league appearances during the season are guaranteed medals. The club can then distribute the remaining medals among coaches, officials and other members of staff.
The medals are made of silver and measure 2.25 inches in diameter.
If more than 39 players make the required number of appearances, additional medals can only be approved by the Premier League board.
Financial rewards and commercial gains
Unlike tournaments such as Wimbledon or The Masters, the Premier League does not hand a separate cash prize directly to the champions.
Instead, clubs receive merit payments based on their final league position.
Arsenal, as champions, are expected to receive the highest share from the league’s central payments. Last season, each position in the table was worth around £2.6 million, with Liverpool receiving £53.1 million as champions.
Winning the title is also expected to strengthen Arsenal’s commercial position. Sponsorship deals often include performance bonuses linked to league success, while the club’s global profile is likely to rise further after the title win.
At the same time, Arsenal may also face increased costs through player and staff bonuses tied to winning the league.
Champions League football secured
Arsenal’s title triumph also guarantees qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Premier League will again send five clubs into Europe’s top competition following strong performances by English clubs in UEFA tournaments over recent seasons.
Securing Champions League football is another major boost financially and competitively, with the club set to benefit from additional revenue and global exposure.
Community Shield showdown
As Premier League champions, Arsenal have also booked their place in the FA Community Shield.
The annual fixture traditionally opens the English football season and pits the league champions against the FA Cup winners.
Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in Cardiff on 16 August.
Gold badge for champions
One of the more symbolic rewards for Arsenal will be the right to wear the gold Premier League badge next season.
Introduced in the 2015/16 campaign, the gold badge is worn by defending champions throughout the following season.
It will mark the first time Arsenal players will wear the gold sleeve badge since the tradition began.
Arsenal join elite company
The title also secures Arsenal’s place once again on the Premier League Wall of Champions.
Only a small number of clubs have won the competition since its formation in 1992, with Manchester United still leading the list with 13 titles.
For Arsenal, the latest success represents more than silverware. It confirms the club’s return to the top after years of rebuilding under Arteta and places them back among English football’s dominant sides.
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