Sky Sports extends SPFL deal and adds women’s football

Sky Sports has extended its rights agreement with the Scottish Professional Football League until 2029.

The new deal also includes the Scottish Women’s Premier League for the first time, with the broadcaster also becoming an official partner of the SWPL and the title sponsor of the SWPL League Cup for the next seven seasons.

Up to 60 SPFL matches will be exclusively live on Sky Sports from 2024/25, with the option to increase this as the deal continues. This includes broadcasting live from each Premiership ground at least five times-per-season, once more than it currently does. 

Premiership sides will also be able to sell PPV streams of up to five league home games per season in the UK and Ireland, with immediate effect, subject to certain conditions including no matches during blocked hours

There will also be a minimum of five SWPL or League Cup matches exclusively live each season from 2022/23, with scope to increase further during the term.

In addition, there will be free-to-watch highlights of every Scottish Premiership game on Sky Sports’ digital platforms, YouTube, Sky Q and Sky Glass, and a weekly highlights show on Sky Sports Football.

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s EVP and CEO UK and Europe, said: “Every time we extend our partnership with the Scottish Professional Football League, more football fans are watching. With this latest extension of our long running partnership, Sky Sports customers will continue to be treated to the biggest games and even more live matches. For the first time they will also have access to Scottish Women’s Premier League matches as well, as we look to continue to bring the best football to an even wider audience.”

Scottish Professional Football League CEO Neil Doncaster added: “This is a very significant financial and promotional deal for the SPFL and I’m delighted our clubs have overwhelmingly supported deepening their relationship with the UK’s leading sports broadcaster. Today’s announcement represents a major financial boost for our 42 member clubs at a time when the UK economy is facing significant headwinds, and will increase the exposure of Europe’s most exciting and passionate league.

“We have much work to do to achieve our target of paying fees to member clubs of £50million per season – but this is an important and significant first step towards that target. Sky has an unparalleled track record of capturing the spectacle and passion of our sport and this partnership will bring Scottish football’s action-packed drama to an even wider audience.”

SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre said: “This is an historic moment for the SWPL and an enormous step forward for the women’s game in Scotland. This deal brings significant financial investment to the new leagues and enhances the visibility of the SWPL at this crucial time for the game. I’m delighted that Sky Sports recognise the value and potential of the SWPL and will be a key partner for us as we enter into this new era.

“Our clubs have invested considerable resources and we can now see the rewards of that work, with increasing commercial interest. This deal will allow clubs to invest further and will put the SWPL on the map as one of the most progressive women’s leagues in the world.”