All clubs have now reached an agreement and the deal is official between the two parties
The much-talked about new TV rights deal between the SPFL and Sky Sports is set to go ahead after bosses confirmed they have the support of powerhouses Rangers, who previously refused to support proposals.
The Glasgow side had reportedly been unhappy with the figures involved, but any doubts seem to have been smoothed over, and the league can now move ahead with a new £150m broadcast deal, which will run until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.
The new deal will see Sky Sports broadcast up to 60 Scottish Premiership matches per season from the start of the 2024/25 campaign. Additionally, the pay-TV behemoth will also air live action from the Scottish Women's Premier League this season.
Sky will now show more Scottish football than ever before, and also bring women's football from north of the border to its customers for the first time.
The new deal is a four-year extension on the one previously agreed, with Sky remaining the current broadcast partner of the SPFL. The changes made to the deal include an increase in revenue for the league and an increase in the number of matches which Sky will now be obliged to show on its network starting in 2024/25.
In different terms, it means that the broadcaster will now air coverage from each Scottish Premiership ground for up to five matches, an increase of one match per ground from the previous deal.
There is also a live streaming element at play, with Sky now allowing top flight clubs to sell their own matches via pay-per-view live streams. Scottish Premiership teams are now able to do this for up to five of their home league games per season, starting immediately. There are of course some conditions. For example, clubs won't be permitted to do this if the match is scheduled to be broadcast on Sky television, nor if the match falls within the prohibited hours of the "3pm blackout".
In terms of women's football, it means that a minimum of five SWPL or Scottish Women's League Cup matches must be broadcast on Sky starting from now, with the option of another five per season at Sky's discretion.
Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director at the SWPL said of the deal:
"This is a historic moment for the SWPL and an enormous step forward for the women's game in Scotland. This deal brings significant financial investment to the new leagues and enhances the visibility of the SWPL at this crucial time for the game. I'm delighted that Sky Sports recognise the value and potential of the SWPL and will be a key partner for us as we enter into this new era,"
Neil Doncaster, CEO of the SPFL also gave his opinions on the agreement:
"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."
Both the Scottish Proffessional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) seem to be very happy with the agreement, with all clubs on board as they head into this new broadcasting venture with Sky Sports.
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