New SPFL sponsorship deal on the cards

[ian1964 10,367]

 

 

 

The SPFL are closing in on a new title sponsor — thanks to a little help from Alex Salmond.

 

That is the good news that has been handed out to clubs by the League’s Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster.

 

In addition, he has reassured them there is no sign that the collapse of TV audience figures since Rangers exited the top flight in 2012 will lead to any loss of revenue.

 

Scotland’s new senior set-up was formed last June, but and has yet to attract a backer to take the place of its long-running supporter, the Clydesdale Bank. But Doncaster has revealed talks are ongoing with “significant corporate players” from the business world.

 

These, he said, were facilitated by the First Minister, Alex Salmond, and were described as “warm,” and “a work in progress.” Among the large companies canvassed, it’s believed gas and electricity providers have delivered the most positive response.

 

Finding a sponsor would be a timely boost for Doncaster. He has drawn criticism for the failure so far on that front, especially as the League Cup is also currently open for offers.

 

While he has been content to explain away the lack of backing as caution on the part of companies to the new set-up, it is a concern and one which will increase with the passage of time.

 

There was positive news at the end of the last year for Scottish football with the announcement of a tie-up with Chinese partner PPLive TV.

 

The deal, set to bring in £2-million a year to clubs, will see a total of 58 SPFL matches screened live in China. SNP leader Salmond was in China on a trade mission, and joined Doncaster in Beijing for the announcement.

 

Closer to home, though, falling viewing figures for live action on SKY and BT Sport is a significant concern.

 

The audience is acknowledged to have collapsed as a direct consequence of Rangers’ exit from the top flight in 2012. The big difference is that while supporters of Rangers and Celtic continue to follow their own sides, it has become apparent they no longer take an interest in the fortunes of their rival.

 

This is because the results of the games have no direct impact on their own respective leagues. That wasn’t the case in the past, with several close title races drawing increasing audiences as they headed into the run-in.

 

With broadcasting rights the main source of revenue, the SPFL are anxious there is no further fall off.

 

SKY is currently in year two of a five-year deal they are tied into. The same applies to BT Sport, but in their case they would potentially be able to pull out at the end of this season.

 

However, Doncaster has reassured clubs there is no sign that is going to happen.

 

http://www.sundaypost.com/sport/football/new-spfl-sponsorship-deal-on-the-cards-1.187745

[gisabeer 409]

yeah the new sponsorhip deal will kick in the season after next.

[Super Cooper 0]

yeah the new sponsorhip deal will kick in the season after next.

 

When we are back? I take we surely get the same cut as Celtic then?

[der Berliner 3,196]

When we are back? I take we surely get the same cut as Celtic then?

 

We surely get the same cut as the other 41 SPFL teams :devil:

[Super Cooper 0]

We surely get the same cut as the other 41 SPFL teams :devil:

 

I don't think Celtic would settle for the same as everyone else, why should we?

[RANGERRAB 3,246]

Which sane, sensible CEO would want their company's name associated with the toxic brand that is the SPFL ?

How to destroy a company's name and reputation in one fell swoop !!!!!

[ian1964 10,367]

From the Herald website:

 

 

Scottish FA agrees four-year Sky Sports deal

Thursday 30 January 2014

 

The Scottish FA has agreed a new multi-million pound, four-season deal with Sky Sports.

 

The agreement allows Sky Sports live rights to the William Hill Scottish Cup, exclusive live rights to Scotland home international challenge matches and rights to cover the Youth Cup until the end of the 2017/18 season in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

 

The broadcaster has already agreed deals to show all of Scotland's UEFA Euro 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, as well as 30 matches a season from the Scottish Professional Football League.

 

This new agreement includes:

 

William Hill Scottish Cup - Two exclusive live fixtures from rounds four, five and six of the competition, plus live rights to both semi-finals and the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

 

Vauxhall International Challenge Matches - All of Scotland's home friendly international matches from seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 plus coverage of Scotland Under-21 matches.

 

Scottish Youth Cup - Coverage from Scotland's premier under-20 tournament, featuring youth teams of senior Scottish clubs.

 

Stewart Regan, SFA chief executive, said: "We are delighted to extend our excellent relationship with Sky Sports and look forward to at least another four years of world-class broadcasting of Scottish football's biggest events.

 

"The success of the William Hill Scottish Cup has been enhanced by Sky Sports' extensive live coverage, the nation is fully behind Gordon Strachan as we continue our preparations ahead of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers and the commitment to cover the Scottish FA Youth Cup allows supporters an opportunity to look at the next generation of young Scottish talent."

 

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: "When it comes to Scottish football, Sky Sports has it covered. This new deal with the Scottish FA means we've got the best choice of international, league and cup football for our viewers for the next four years.

 

"Our commitment to Scottish football began on our first day in April 1991, and we're delighted to continue to be able to tell the best stories from Scotland's domestic and international football calendar."

[der Berliner 3,196]

I don't think Celtic would settle for the same as everyone else, why should we?

 

We'll see what the Yahoos will demand, but in this modern day and age of "one for all and all for one" and all the other slogans used at the birth of the SPFL, all teams will demand a fair share.