SPFL Invites Bids for Next Premiership TV Rights Deal

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has invited broadcasters to submit bids for the television rights to live Scottish Premiership matches, with new agreements expected to commence from the 2029-30 season. The league confirmed it has issued an Invitation To Tender for its main broadcast deal in the United Kingdom.

Under the current arrangements, Sky Sports broadcasts up to 60 Premiership matches annually, while Premier Sports shows an additional 22. The Sky Sports contract, valued at approximately £150 million over four years, is set to conclude at the end of the 2028-29 campaign. Premier Sports' deal, worth around £4 million per year, also expires in 2029, though their separate agreement for the Premier Sports Cup continues until 2031.

The SPFL anticipates significant interest from media companies, with chief executive Neil Doncaster stating, "Securing strong broadcast partnerships is an essential element in maintaining a balanced and sustainable income mix for the SPFL and its clubs." He added, "We anticipate strong interest from broadcasters in what is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most exciting national league competitions."

This move follows a record-breaking season for attendances in the Scottish Premiership. League officials believe the combination of competitive on-field action and increasing crowd numbers will appeal to both existing and potential new broadcasters. The SPFL is reportedly flexible regarding the volume of live games offered, inviting bidders to propose packages that could increase coverage or alter how it is shared.

Sky Sports has long been the primary domestic broadcaster for Scottish football, with Premier Sports occupying a secondary role. The outcome of this tender process is expected to have significant financial implications for Premiership clubs, as broadcast revenue is a crucial component of the league's central distributions. The SPFL has not announced a specific deadline for bid submissions.