SPFL offers flexible match packages in Premiership rights tender
The SPFL has opened bidding for Scottish Premiership UK broadcast rights from 2029/30, offering flexibility over the number of live matches as it seeks its next round of television partnerships.
The Scottish Professional Football League has invited bids for live UK rights to the Premiership from 2029/30, opening discussions over the number of matches available as its existing Sky Sports and Premier Sports agreements approach their final seasons.The tender gives broadcasters scope to discuss their preferred volume of coverage rather than requiring the next cycle to replicate the current allocation of up to 82 live matches annually.SPFL group chief executive Neil Doncaster 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.”Sky’s current £150m agreement permits coverage of up to 60 Premiership fixtures per season and expires at the end of 2028/29.Premier Sports holds rights to show up to 22 additional league matches annually under a separate agreement reportedly worth £4m per season, which also concludes in 2029.The SPFL said: “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.”That flexibility creates scope for a different balance of match inventory and broadcast partners, although the league has not publicly confirmed the number of games it ultimately intends to sell.The process begins almost three years before the new rights cycle starts, allowing discussions over package design and distribution before the current contracts expire.The existing arrangements provide a benchmark for bidders, but no confirmed offers, preferred partners or financial target for the next cycle have been identified.The possibility of additional live coverage will make the relationship between rights income, scheduling and stadium attendance relevant to the league’s assessment of proposals.More televised fixtures would create additional inventory to sell, while the eventual value will depend on broadcaster demand and the terms attached to each package.The SPFL is marketing the competition following a season in which it recorded the highest annual attendances in its history, using that supporter demand to support its pitch to potential partners.The league said: “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.”The Premiership process does not include the Scottish League Cup, whose broadcast and sponsorship arrangements with Premier Sports operate on a different timetable.The SPFL confirmed: “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.”Bidders are being invited to discuss their coverage preferences with the league before the next Premiership agreements take effect in 2029/30.