BSkyB have just reported an increase in Premier League viewing figures – up by 12% compared to last year. This increase in PL audiences has contributed to their rise in profits this year so far. So BSkyB are happy to have agreed a new 5 year deal to cover the Scottish Premier League matches.
Barney Francis is the Managing Director of Sky Sports and said:
“We’ve supported Scottish football since we started, over 20 years ago, and have always wanted to continue that commitment. Our viewers will see the SPL for five more years and our schedule includes the opening league match for Celtic. We will also follow Rangers as they plot their way back to Scottish football’s top flight.
“Clubs now have certainty over their income and exposure across the UK and Ireland and we look forward to the new season.”
There had been fears of Sky refusing to negotiate a further deal when Rangers dropped out of the Scottish Premier League so Scottish fans will be pleased to see Sky’s pledge of support.
Although no real details of the deal have been revealed yet, we do know it includes 30 live matches to be shown per season. This will include 5 live Rangers matches from the Scottish Football League.
The Scottish Premier League had negotiated a deal with Sky and ESPN thought to be worth £80 million over the 5 years but Rangers did the unthinkable and headed towards liquidation and non existence. The deal that was then arranged for Rangers to enter Division Three certainly stirred up Scottish Football but the buzz surrounding the PL and FL has brought about a whole new interest in Scottish football with many new fans willing Rangers onwards and upwards.
The first match to be shown will be Celtic v Aberdeen this Saturday, with a kick-off time of 12.45pm. Rangers’ long awaited first game in the Irn-Bru Third Division will be away to Peterhead on August 11 at 12.45pm and shown live.
Barney Francis is the Managing Director of Sky Sports and said:
“We’ve supported Scottish football since we started, over 20 years ago, and have always wanted to continue that commitment. Our viewers will see the SPL for five more years and our schedule includes the opening league match for Celtic. We will also follow Rangers as they plot their way back to Scottish football’s top flight.
“Clubs now have certainty over their income and exposure across the UK and Ireland and we look forward to the new season.”
There had been fears of Sky refusing to negotiate a further deal when Rangers dropped out of the Scottish Premier League so Scottish fans will be pleased to see Sky’s pledge of support.
Although no real details of the deal have been revealed yet, we do know it includes 30 live matches to be shown per season. This will include 5 live Rangers matches from the Scottish Football League.
The Scottish Premier League had negotiated a deal with Sky and ESPN thought to be worth £80 million over the 5 years but Rangers did the unthinkable and headed towards liquidation and non existence. The deal that was then arranged for Rangers to enter Division Three certainly stirred up Scottish Football but the buzz surrounding the PL and FL has brought about a whole new interest in Scottish football with many new fans willing Rangers onwards and upwards.
The first match to be shown will be Celtic v Aberdeen this Saturday, with a kick-off time of 12.45pm. Rangers’ long awaited first game in the Irn-Bru Third Division will be away to Peterhead on August 11 at 12.45pm and shown live.
