Conmebol has increased Copa Sudamericana prize money as Santos open against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador on Wednesday.

Conmebol announced that the champions can now collect up to about US$ 12.9 million across the campaign, with US$ 10 million paid for the title, roughly R$ 50 million at current rates.

Beyond per-round fees, performance bonuses remain in the groups, with each victory worth US$ 125,000, a sum that can directly influence clubs’ financial planning.

Group participation is worth US$ 300,000, rising to US$ 500,000 for the knockout playoff, US$ 600,000 for the round of 16, US$ 700,000 for the quarter-finals and US$ 800,000 for the semi-finals.

The runners-up receive US$ two and a half million.

Winning the Sudamericana is one of Cuca’s aims at Santos, and the club are also eyeing fresh revenue from the competition.