THE SPFL AND SKY SPORTS are set to enter what’s being described as ‘crisis talks’ in Friday’s Scottish Daily Mail. [Page 90]
Two teams are yet to back the real; The Rangers and Livingston haven’t responded yet, throwing the deal into doubt. With the teams yet to back it, talks will begin with the broadcaster next Tuesday in an attempt to salvage a deal.
The SPFL are relying on Livi to back the deal, with an 11-1 majority needed to pass it. Celtic has backed the deal, which will see Sky Sports pay £5 million more by 2028, taking their annual payments from £25 million to £30 million.
There is some confidence at the SPFL that a deal will be secured without The Rangers’ support. The Ibrox club are still unhappy with the handing of the cinch sponsorship and is keen for some assurance from the league, which includes their legal costs being covered.
Fans aren’t exactly overwhelmed by the deal, with a strong feeling that the game is being undersold, which it is. But, the reality is that Scottish teams rely on this money, and if Sky and the SPFL don’t agree to a deal, it could be disastrous for some clubs, with no other broadcaster bidding large amounts of money.
If money talks take the two teams who are not willing to sign up out of the equation and divide the remaining monies between the participating teams and freeze out the two teams until re-negotiation comes round again in 2028.
SPFL constitution dictates 11 members if the top league need to vote to accept or change anything Jim.
Can’t ditch the others (probably what sevco want TBH so they can set up their own PPV).
personally, I think the deal is crap