£80m sky deal will be torn up

[ian1964 10,466]

'Telly cash on hold - SPL clubs in sweat as payout delayed'

ET

 

HARD-up SPL clubs face a nerve-shredding 24-day wait to discover how much of a cash lifeline they will get from the wreckage of the TV deals.

 

Top-flight clubs were due to receive around £650,000 each from Sky and ESPN on August 6 – two days after the new season kicks off.

 

But, today, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster admitted it could be August 10 before the cash breakdown is revealed in full.

 

And that will leave many chairmen sweating over how to balance the books for almost another week.

 

The news is yet another blow to top-flight clubs left reeling from the financial implications of Rangers' demotion to the Irn-Bru Third Division.

 

And it comes amid fears that the new £80million five-year deal with the two broadcasters, which was due to be signed this summer, is under serious threat after the Ibrox newco was refused entry into the top flight.

 

The existing contract – which still has a season to run – is worth £13m, but that could also be ripped up as the main clause in the deal stipulates the Old Firm are in the same division.

 

Clubs were supposed to get the first tranche of money from that final-season deal – around £650,000 – on August 6.

 

However, that is now under threat as Doncaster heads into crunch talks in London with the broadcasters over what cash – if any – will be offered in light of the Rangers decision.

 

Most of the SPL's commercial deals have an exit or renegotiation clause should one of the Old Firm be absent, and Doncaster said: "As with any broadcaster or sponsor, they buy what they want. The Sport 5 overseas deal, like the Sky, ESPN and Clydesdale Bank deals, were negotiated before I arrived in 2009.

 

"Having the Old Firm within what the SPL provided was clearly a key attraction for many of our partners. We will be working hard to discover what the commercial damage is.

 

"In terms of financial consequences, it's important that we work intensively over the next few days and weeks, and we plan to get the clubs together again on August 10 and hopefully we can let them know what they can expect in terms of distributions for the season."

 

Doncaster insisted SPL clubs remain committed to league reconstruction.

[Craigy1881 79]

All I can say is LOL, hope you all suffer.

[aweebluesoandso 290]

I pulled my Sky Sports package in anticipation of this, fingers crossed sky pull the SPL's plug.

[mitchellenman 0]

One word - GOOD

[Blue Moon 1,127]

I have not a shred of sympathy for any of them.

[stewarty 1,878]

But Al-Jazeera are going to show the games, no?

[calscot 0]

But Al-Jazeera are going to show the games, no?

 

I think I get that on FreeSat so that could be good...

[Guest Dutchy]

A good punishment from sky on a unfit and improper league.

 

Just one week extra and they're all houling now. Didn't they understand what they were voting for???

[andy steel 0]

I really don't see this being the rip it up scenario some are looking for. Renegotiation yes, complete removal of the deal I doubt.

[Guest Dutchy]

I'm sure they'll keep something in place, after all, septic still have a big draw for sky, as Rangers are showing interest for playing in the 3rd.

 

This is probably only a benefit to the TV companies, as all deal will be cheaper than the £80 milion one.