THE city’s economy is set to share in a slice of Albion’s £200 million Premier League promotion.

Albion’s long-awaited return to the top-flight after more than 30 years is now tantalisingly close and could be sealed over the Easter weekend bringing untold riches to the club.

Experts believe the city will benefit from increased exposure, a feelgood factor and the increased spend of up to ten times as many away fans visiting the city for home games.

Thousands of Albion supporters will be heading to Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City rather than the likes of Rotherham, Wigan and Blackburn.

And entry to the Premier League will give Albion a minimum £100 million in TV money while promoted clubs can expect seven-figure increases in shirt deals and match day revenue.

Relegation in the first season would bring despair to fans but would still secure more than £90 million in parachute payments.

Professor Max Munday from Cardiff Business School, who previously investigated the impact of Premier League football on Swansea and Cardiff, said while TV revenue would mushroom, match attendance and club investment locally may not change significantly.

He added: “For Brighton there will be an advertisement affect, there is no doubt Premiership status is a big boost for a city.

“There is a feelgood factor, when Swansea were promoted it coincided with a lot of development in the city, but it is impossible to value.

“The advantage that Brighton might have over Swansea or Hull is a potential increase in overnight visitation, there is an attractive accommodation stock in Brighton, and if fans come down they might stay for the weekend.”

Councillor Alan Robins, the city council’s economic development lead, said with a top-flight Albion, the marathon, Sussex cricket and the hosting of the Rugby World Cup, Brighton and Hove was becoming an “international sporting city”.

He said the Premier League’s global following would give the city exposure around the world.

He added: “Much like the marathon, when people come to the city and it is looking beautiful and they will come back and the next time they might bring their whole family.”

Tourism Alliance chairwoman Anne Martin said the city would likely see a similar boost to Blackpool after their promotion which brought major infrastructure benefits to the town.

She added: “Premier League football will bring a lot more visitors down, they are going to spend money, quite a few will stay in hotels and they will spend money in our bars and restaurants.”