The Sky vs BT debate is one that has been going on for several years now.
Since BT came on to the scene with their Scottish football coverage, fans haven’t been able to get enough of it. It resonates with supporters, and provides more than just monotone analysis.
Fans have had so many terrific moments to take from BT’s coverage, which will always be remembered fondly. It led to many craving BT being the ones to seal a deal for Scottish football over Sky.
Unfortunately for everyone outwith Sky themselves, that hasn’t been the case. Yet, nobody can blame the SPFL for what’s been a financially sensible decision.
The deal itself is a five-year commitment, with accurate figures not yet revealed. The simple facts of the matter, however, is that if anyone is to blame for this then it’s BT.
According to many reports, BT simply didn’t pluck up enough cash to challenge Sky. For all of the general mind-set going around that BT were more interested in Scottish football than Sky, that hasn’t shown in negotiations.
Looking out for clubs’ interests
The SPFL have to look out for the best interests of their member clubs. By securing the most lucrative deal by some distance, this is huge news to the likes of Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, and Motherwell, who rely hugely on TV money to be competitive.
The deal will kick into effect in the 2020-21 campaign. Therefore, fans still have 18 months to enjoy the coverage put forward by BT before the current deal expires.
Afterwards, BT’s coverage will be no more for the foreseeable future. The likes of Alex Rae, Chris Sutton, and Ally McCoist have provided entertaining coverage over the last few years, but the SPFL can only take that so far into consideration.
BT have, of course, also lost the rights for the Betfred Cup to Premier Sports. The Scottish Cup will also be shown on Premier Sports and BBC Scotland.
Elsewhere, the BBC have also wrapped up a new five-year deal that allows them to continue showing Premiership highlights, Championship highlights, and radio rights.
It’s the loss of BT that will hit fans the most in 18 months’ time. Any anger towards this, however, shouldn’t be pointed in the direction of the SPFL.
