SPFL's cash boost hopes dashed as Sky TV clause...

[ian1964 10,720]

...could keep Scots football in poorhouse until 2019.

 

By Keith Jackson

 

A SECRET clause in SPFL's deal with Sky Sports has given the broadcasters the option of extending their agreement, which was meant to expire in 2017, for a further two years - placing Scottish football a long way away from reaching the 70 per cent rise secured by the English Premier League.

 

SCOTTISH football is set to endure another four YEARS in the poorhouse before getting the chance to piggy-back on England’s latest TV cash bonanza.

 

Record Sport understands a secret clause in the SPFL’s deal with Sky, which was meant to expire in 2017, gives the broadcasters an exclusive option of a two-year extension. And although this should trigger a marginal increase in cash, it will be nowhere near the 70 per cent rise the English Premier League got in a £5billion package with Sky and BT.

 

Last night SPFL chief Neil Doncaster said only: “We are tied into a joint deal with BT Sport and Sky until 2017.”

 

But sources close to Hampden’s sixth floor insist Sky are in the box seat. As yet they have not indicated to the SPFL if they intend to exercise that option but a decision is expected soon.

 

Doncaster, though, will be hopeful of finding potential new future bidders.

 

It is strongly believed, for example, that Abu Dhabi-based beIN Sports were heavily engaged in the Premier League bidding and that their interest helped to significantly drive up the final price.

 

Our source said: “We believe there were a number of TV companies involved in the discussions with the EPL and the hope is that they are looking to find a way into the British game. For that reason, they may also wish to participate in any future talks with the SPFL.”

 

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/spfls-cash-boost-hopes-dashed-5149427

[Laudbertz 0]

Whilst I think the £5.2billion is a ridiculous amount of money for any one league to have, Scottish Football in its current state doesnt really warrant a hike, certainly not 70%.

[der Berliner 3,716]

Can't remember the exact figures, but I guess the league does not get more than a fraction of what the team which is relegated from the EPL will receive.

[BrahimHemdani 1]

Can't remember the exact figures, but I guess the league does not get more than a fraction of what the team which is relegated from the EPL will receive.

 

From memory it's about a million pounds a year and they had to pay back £750,000 when Rangers went out the SPL (partly because of the added costs of building gantries etc at the smaller grounds to cover the Rangers games in the lower leagues. The deal was predicated on 4 Rangers V Celtic games a year. The broadcasters have no interest in any other games. They could have terminated the contract at that point. Hearts v Hibs was a nice addition but they would not have paid any significant amount of money for those games and virtually nothing for any non old firm or Edinburgh derby games. There just isn't the viewing audience to justify it.

[Laudbertz 0]

From memory it's about a million pounds a year and they had to pay back £750,000 when Rangers went out the SPL

 

Really? haha

Importance level : Rangers 75% - Rest of the SPL 25%

I like those percentages.

[BrahimHemdani 1]

Really? haha

Importance level : Rangers 75% - Rest of the SPL 25%

I like those percentages.

 

That's not quite the calculation, Laudbertz.

 

It's the loss of the Rangers v Celtic games that is the big issue and to a lesser extent Rangers away games because of the atmosphere created by the travelling support (although they still have that with Celtic).

[Laudbertz 0]

That's not quite the calculation, Laudbertz.

 

It's the loss of the Rangers v Celtic games that is the big issue and to a lesser extent Rangers away games because of the atmosphere created by the travelling support (although they still have that with Celtic).

 

Yeah I know, but my blue tinted shades are fitting well at the moment.