Middlesbrough Wins 'US$250M Game,' Promoted To EPL

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, right, lifts the cup with Grant Leadbetter as they celebrate returning to the English Premier League after the Championship match against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England, Saturday May 7, 2016. (Ryan Browne/PA via AP)

Middlesbrough gained promotion to the English Premier League on Saturday after a seven-year absence, following a 1-1 draw with 10-man Brighton which could be worth almost US$250 million to the northern club.

Associated Press report continues:

Needing only to avoid defeat to gain promotion from the second-tier League Championship, Middlesbrough took the lead on 19 minutes after Cristhian Stuani tapped in a cutback from David Nugent.

"I can't be more proud of this group of players," said Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, the former Real Madrid defender who used to be assistant coach at the Spanish club under Jose Mourinho.

Brighton, which itself needed to win the game to secure automatic promotion, drew level in the 55th through Dale Stephens' header. Stephens got a red card three minutes later for a reckless challenge on Gaston Ramirez.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka celebrates returning to the English Premier League after the Championship match against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England, Saturday May 7, 2016. (Ryan Browne/PA via AP) 

Middlesbrough joins champion Burnley in the Premier League next season. Burnley was promoted last week but secured the Championship trophy by beating relegated Charlton 3-0 on Saturday.

The Premier League's new domestic and international TV deals start next season and are worth a record US$12 billion over three years.

According to soccer finance expert Deloitte, Middlesbrough will benefit from future additional revenue of at least £170 million (US$245 million) compared to what it would have generated if not promoted.

Brighton can still be promoted through the playoffs where it faces Sheffield Wednesday in the semifinals, with Hull and Derby in the other semifinal.

The first legs are on May 13 and 14.