The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) today announced a new and enhanced four-year broadcasting contract with BBC Scotland.
The agreement means BBC Sport Scotland will continue to provide TV and online highlights and live radio commentary of Ladbrokes Premiership, Championship, League 1 and League 2 matches from season 2016/17.
These will be delivered to supporters with enhanced match coverage on the broadcaster’s popular Sunday night Sportscene programme as well as additional social media clips, highlights on the BBC Sport Scotland website and live radio commentary on Sportsound.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “This is fantastic news for Scottish football fans. Everyone at the SPFL is delighted that our longstanding partnership with BBC Scotland has been extended by another four years in this new and significantly improved deal for both parties.
“During the process of negotiating with the BBC, the SPFL Board has been very robust and clear in its view of what we believe Scottish football coverage is worth and we are pleased that this has been taken on board and reflected by an improved agreement. As part of that we’re also delighted that supporters will see enhanced match coverage which we’ll provide to the BBC as part of the new contract.
“We look forward to working with BBC Scotland’s excellent team of sports producers and journalists in the four years ahead, covering our national sport and bringing the very best of the SPFL action to TV and radio audiences.”
BBC Scotland’s Head of Sport Ewan Angus also welcomed the new four-year deal.
“We’re extremely pleased to extend our important partnership with the SPFL over the next four years. BBC Scotland’s main aim was to provide supporters with improved coverage while also ensuring we get value for money for everyone who pays the Licence Fee.
“We firmly believe this new deal will benefit Scottish football as a whole by enhancing Sportscene’s match highlights through increased camera provision and also allowing us to offer footage for fans on social media,” he said.
The new BBC contract was approved by Ladbrokes Premiership clubs and the SPFL Board.
The announcement follows news earlier this season that Sky Sports and BT Sport will continue to broadcast live Ladbrokes Premiership matches until the end of season 2019/20.
