Neil Doncaster claims SPFL TV deal victory as Sky reveal PPV option

The SPFL's chief executive welcomed the "overwhelming" support for the proposal.

Jubilant SPFL chief Neil Doncaster has ushered in the new Sky TV deal branding it "a significant first step" in being able to pay member clubs the golden ticket of £50million a season.

The five year package was hanging in the balance last week when both Rangers and Livingston failed to respond to a ‘qualified resolution’ to change the top flight’s voting structure. League bosses need the support of 11 Premiership clubs to push their plan through, and Record Sport revealed the West Lothian club signed off on the deal leaving the Ibrox side sidelined.

This has allowed the SPFL to unveil their new plan with at least six sides from the Championship and a combined total of 32 clubs from across all four divisions backing the broadcast deal. The agreement is worth £30m per season and will show up to 60 SPFL matches exclusively live each season from 2024/25, more than ever before, with scope to increase this over the term of the deal. Sky will also show the ever-growing SWFL as Scottish women’s football hits the screens,

There will be live broadcasting live from each top flight ground up to five occasions each season from 24/25, which is one more than in the current deal. The deal also means Premiership clubs will be able to sell pay-per-view streams within the UK and Ireland of up to five league home games per season. This will begin with immediate effect, subject to certain conditions including no matches during blocked hours.

Doncaster hailed the packed stating: “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.”

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