Broadcasters invited to discuss TV rights ahead of current deals expiring
The SPFL is expecting “strong interest” from broadcasters after TV rights for the Scottish Premiership were officially put out to tender ahead of the current deals expiring.
And the prospect of broadcasting a greater number of live matches is on the table after the league indicated it is prepared to be "flexible" over the number of games shown in future.
The SPFL agreed a £150m package with Sky Sports in 2022 that allows the broadcaster to show up to 60 live Premiership matches a season until the end of the 2028-29 campaign. Premier Sports can also show up to 22 matches from Scotland's top flight each year until 2029 in an agreement worth £4m per season.
With less than three years remaining on both deals, the SPFL has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for live UK broadcast rights from season 2029-30 while leaving the door open for increased coverage.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “Securing strong broadcast partnerships is an essential element in maintaining a balanced and sustainable income mix for the SPFL and its clubs.
“We anticipate strong interest from broadcasters in what is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most exciting national league competitions.”
The SPFL wrote in a statement: “The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for live UK broadcast rights for William Hill Premiership matches from season 2029/30.
“The SPFL has indicated that it is flexible about the number of games that it shows live in future and the ITT invites bidders to discuss their preferences with the league.
“The SPFL’s current agreement with Sky Sports allows the broadcaster to show up to 60 William Hill Premiership matches a season, with Premier Sports also showing up to 22 matches from Scotland’s top flight each year.
“Both agreements run for four years from season 2024/25 to season 2028/29.
“The separate contract with Premier Sports for broadcast and sponsorship rights in relation to the Premier Sports Cup remains in place until at least the end of season 2030/31 and is not affected by today’s announcement.
“The launch of the ITT comes after the league recorded the highest yearly attendances in the SPFL’s history last season, following one of the most exciting top-flight campaigns.”
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