The SPFL have announced a new sponsorship agreement and an extension of their rights deal with Premier Sports, in a move that affects Rangers fans [SPFL.co.uk].
As a result of the new agreement, the League Cup will be known as the ‘Premier Sports Cup’ for at least the next two seasons.
In addition, the extension of the rights agreement between the two organisations means that Premier Sports will be the exclusive broadcaster of the League Cup until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.
“The first season’s coverage of the competition by Premier Sports has been a tremendous success, with St Johnstone FC lifting the cup for the first time in their history,” said SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster [SPFL.co.uk].
“It’s a very welcome endorsement of our game, especially at such a challenging time, that Premier Sports have agreed to extend the term of their broadcast contract. For many years, our Cup has been a vital and exciting competition and the involvement of Premier Sports has certainly enhanced its prestige and awareness.
“I am also thrilled that Premier Sports are showing their further commitment and increased contribution to Scottish football by becoming the title sponsor of the Cup. The Premier Sports Cup offers a new and exciting promotional platform for both parties.”
The move ensures that, for the foreseeable future, Rangers fans will need to have three separate TV subscriptions in order to watch all of their team’s matches, with Sky Sports the exclusive broadcaster of the Premiership and BT Sport holding the rights for all UEFA club competitions.
Premier Sports also currently have the rights to the Scottish Cup, while they showed Europa League qualifiers at the beginning of the season.
After the Gers’ third round qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar, Premier were forced to issue an apology after fans experienced picture breakup.
The Irish service also shows La Liga, Serie A and Eredivisie football, as well as some Pro14 rugby and the NHL.
In other news, the SFA have reportedly failed with a bid to move a major event to Ibrox.
