SPFL Seals Club Approval For Sky Deal
Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs have approved a proposed new five-year broadcasting deal with British subscription sports channel Sky Sports.
The SPFL’s new and improved deal with Sky Sports has been in the pipeline for some months and would see more lives games on offer in an £150m deal. The proposed agreement will rise from £25m per season to over £29m, with Sky holding an option of an additional 20 league games to take it to a £37m package.
The deal, which requires each of the 20 league clubs to sign a waiver letter before the increase from 48 games to 60 games can be ratified, has hinged on late responses from Rangers and Livingston, who had doubts over whether Scottish clubs are getting value for TV rights.
Rangers has also been demanding an apology for the SPFL’s handling of a dispute over cinch’s sponsorship of the leagues, and the deal’s conflict with its own sponsorship agreements.
It is unclear how Rangers and Livingston’s doubts were resolved, however, the SPFL has now notified clubs that an agreement has been reached, meaning Scottish football’s top-flight can move forward and finalise details with broadcaster Sky Sports. The new agreement is scheduled to begin in 2024 and would run until 2029.
Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s EVP and CEO UK and Europe. said, “Every time we extend our partnership with the Scottish Professional Football League, more football fans are watching. With this latest extension of our long running partnership, Sky Sports customers will continue to be treated to the biggest games and even more live matches.
“For the first time they will also have access to Scottish Women’s Premier League matches as well, as we look to continue to bring the best football to an even wider audience.”
Scottish Professional Football League CEO Neil Doncaster, added, “This is a very significant financial and promotional deal for the SPFL and I’m delighted our clubs have overwhelmingly supported deepening their relationship with the UK’s leading sports broadcaster. Today’s announcement represents a major financial boost for our 42 member clubs at a time when the UK economy is facing significant headwinds and will increase the exposure of Europe’s most exciting and passionate league.
“We have much work to do to achieve our target of paying fees to member clubs of £50million per season – but this is an important and significant first step towards that target. Sky has an unparalleled track record of capturing the spectacle and passion of our sport and this partnership will bring Scottish football’s action-packed drama to an even wider audience.”
