Total prize and television money for the 2017 Betfred Cup will increase by 15% in the coming season, including a record £250,000 for the winners.
The SPFL confirmed today that more than £1.6million will be paid in prize money, and almost £500,000 in TV payments. This equates to an overall prize and television pot of £2,073,000 – a substantial increase on £1.8 million last season.
The Betfred Cup introduced a new format last season which was widely acclaimed by clubs, players, managers, supporters and the media.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “Thanks to the support of all clubs, the Betfred Cup has been transformed into a truly exciting and innovative competition. We’re thrilled that it has been further boosted by this significant increase in prize and television money, firmly cementing the Betfred Cup as a key competition in Scottish football.”
The eight clubs who finish in fifth position in the first round group stage will each receive £17,000 in prize money, while eight fourth place finishers will take home £19,000 each and the eight teams in third place in the group stage will earn £21,000 per club.
Each of the four runners up with the lowest points total will win £25,000 in prize money and second round losers will receive £35,000. The four who lose at the next stage of the competition will win £60,000 each and semi-final losers will receive £80,000. The runner-up will earn £115,000.
The draw for the Group Stage of the 2017 Betfred Cup was made live on BT Sport last month. This year’s competition will kick-off with an Ayrshire derby on Friday, 14 July, one of six group ties live on broadcast partner BT Sport. Each of the 12 clubs involved in a televised group stage match will earn £12,500.
Those clubs taking part in the live final will earn £32,000 in TV payments, while those taking part in the remaining six televised matches will receive £21,500 each.
Blue-chip UK bookmaking company Betfred signed-up last year to become the exclusive title sponsor, adding to its already impressive list of sporting sponsorships.
A total of 44 clubs will take part in this season’s competition, with the four clubs involved in European competition joining at the last 16 stage. The SPFL clubs will be joined in the competition by East Kilbride (Lowland League champions) and Buckie Thistle (Highland League champions).
The 2017 Betfred Cup will kick off another season of Scottish football and follows a hugely successful first year in the competition’s unique format, which saw a number of innovations introduced.
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