SPL announces new 5 year TV deal with Sky and ESPN

November 21, 2011   ·   1 Comments

The Scottish Premier League have announced a new five-year deal with Sky Sports and ESPN for the live rights to Clydesdale Bank Premier League games. 

The clubs agreed a deal on ‘improved terms’ which will run from season 2012/13 to the end of season 2016/17. Each broadcaster will continue to show 30 live games per season across the UK.

The specific financial details of the deal have not been revealed, however STV reports that the SPL will receive around a 24% increase on the previous deal, which should see the league net £80m over five years (£16m per year). Previously the SPL received £65m over five seasons, in a deal worth £13m per year.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “Sky Sports and ESPN are two of the biggest names in sports broadcasting and the SPL has enjoyed an excellent relationship with both broadcasters over the course of the current contract, a period which has seen a 28% increase in viewing figures. In the current economic climate, announcing an increase in value is excellent news for our clubs.

“We are very much looking forward to working with both broadcasters over the coming seasons to continue to raise the profile of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and provide fans with excellent coverage of their league.”

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “We’re delighted to agree this deal with the SPL and continue our partnership with Scottish football that began 20 years ago. This long-term agreement means Sky Sports viewers can continue to enjoy coverage of 30 live matches a season, including each Old Firm head-to-head, across TV, mobile, online and tablet devices.”

Ross Hair, Managing Director, ESPN – Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The Clydesdale Bank Premier League has been an important part of our schedule in these first two-and-a-half seasons of our local ESPN channel in the UK and Ireland.

“Scottish football has performed well on ESPN as we work to build our brand locally and develop our long-term business. We are very proud of the coverage that we have delivered to fans and are very pleased that they have responded with great support and an increasing connection to ESPN on TV and across digital media. We are very excited to continue our coverage and pleased to extend a great partnership with the league.”

Tags: Barney Francis, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, ESPN, Neil Doncaster, Ross Hair, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports, SPL