ALBION have earned more than £108 million from their debut season in the Premier League.

The staggering sum is the reward for their share of TV and prize money.

But it will still be a while before owner-chairman Tony Bloom gets much of his cash back and that will depend on the Seagulls staying in the top flight.

Albion receive an equal share of £84.4 million as part of the £5 billion-plus broadcasting rights deal agreed with Sky Sports and BT Sport in 2015.

They have also pocketed £12.3 million for live coverage of matches, including over half of their fixtures at the Amex.

The near £100 million TV windfall is topped up by £11.4 million merit money for finishing 15th.

Bloom said: “This season will be the first season the club has made money for a long time and if we stay in the Premier League for quite a few years there’s no doubt it will make money and some of the loans I’ve given to the club will get repaid.

“But to get all those loans repaid will probably need Brighton to remain in the Premier League for many years to come.”

Albion lost almost £40 million when they were promoted from the Championship last season and nearly £26 million the season before when they missed out in the play-offs.

Bloom has poured around £300 million into the club he has supported since childhood after taking over from Dick Knight nine years ago.