THE GREAT SCREEN TEST: How does Scottish football balance the needs of fans with the need for TV cash?

THE GREAT SCREEN TEST: How does Scottish football balance the needs of fans with the need for TV cash? By Stephen Mcgowan Published: 12:40 EDT, 9 October 2024 | Updated: 12:41 EDT, 9 October 2024 e-mail 21 shares View comments Ask Celtic supporters who they dislike most and many would list their own board of directors marginally higher than traffic wardens, politicians and mainstream football writers. The plc board are regarded as aloof men in grey suits, the decisions they make bringing little in the way of thanks or praise from their own fanbase. Unaccustomed to rare outbreaks of popularity, the board’s call to put their season-ticket holders before the schedules of television broadcasters should perhaps have the SPFL worried.

In May, Premiership clubs were asked to vote on an agreement with subscription channel Premier Sports to sell another 20 live games per season. Main broadcasting partners Sky already held the rights to up to 60 top-flight games. Keen to build the brand, give the game more exposure and screen a few Dundee and Edinburgh derbies, 11 of the 12 clubs agreed to flog a secondary package permitting the Irish channel to screen a maximum of two more games from each ground for £2million a season.

Clubs would receive a facilities fee of £75,000 per game - £150,000 if they were selected for two games - with the rest going into the central distribution pot. Celtic have opted out of SPFL contract granting subscription rights to Premier Sports Armchair fans will.