Sky Sports increases Scottish football focus with new deal

Sky Sports has announced a renewed deal with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) that will see it broadcast more matches from the league than ever.

The new deal, which runs through to 2029, will also include exclusive coverage of live fixtures from the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Sky Sports will become an official partner of the SWPL and the title sponsor of the SWPL League Cup for the next seven seasons.

In total, the deal includes up to 60 live SPFL matches each season from 2024/25, with Sky guaranteed to broadcast from each cinch Premiership ground up to five occasions each season. A minimum of five SWPL or League Cup matches will be broadcast live each season from 2022/23, with scope to increase further during the term.

The deal also allows for all cinch Premiership clubs to sell Pay Per View streams within the UK and Ireland of up to five league home games per season with immediate effect – currently a pressing topic in the lower leagues of English football.

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky 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 said: “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. 

SWPL Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre said: “This is an 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.”