Two new major broadcasting deals for the SPL

The SPL clubs at today's SPL AGM agreed broadcasting deals with BBC and SPORTFIVE.

SPL Executive Chairman, Lex Gold said, "The combination of the two deals agreed today will increase coverage of the league and bring in a healthy uplift in revenue for SPL clubs. Alongside our flagship partnerships with Clydesdale Bank and Setanta Sports the league is in a very healthy position as we move into the coming season.

Looking only at the next three seasons, we now have commercial deals in place worth in excess of £60 million. This, when taken together with our significant income from other sources, represents a solid platform upon which our clubs can continue to develop and grow."



The new BBC deal extends their current radio rights and includes non-exclusive TV highlights and online clip rights within the UK.The initial deal will cover the next three seasons with a two-year extension option also agreed to take the agreement through to the end of 2011/12.

Lex Gold said, "The BBC has been an excellent partner of the SPL since its inception and it is good news that the relationship will continue. Alongside our existing broadcasting deals with Setanta Sports and Scottish TV, this significant new deal will mean that coverage of our league has never been greater.

Ewan Angus, Head of Sport, BBC Scotland, said, "We are delighted to have secured such a comprehensive rights package with the SPL.We are looking forward to providing an exciting mix of coverage over the next five years."

The SPL also announced today that it has concluded a two year deal with SPORTFIVE for their overseas television broadcasting rights.SPORTFIVE will be responsible for the worldwide marketing and distribution of Clydesdale Bank Premier League television rights. This will be effective from the start of season 2008/09 until the end of season 2009/10.

Lex Gold commented, "We have been very pleased by the healthy competition witnessed in the market for our overseas television rights.This competition has led to a substantial increase in guaranteed revenues from this source compared to our current deal.SPORTFIVE has a first class reputation within the industry and we are confident that they will be an excellent addition to our stable of partners."







Robert Müller von Vultejus, Executive Vice President of SPORTFIVE said, "We are delighted that SPORTFIVE is SPL's first choice and that they trust in our expertise. We are optimistic that our worldwide distribution network and our competence in the area of marketing media rights of professional football will contribute to an increased international exposure and to a positive economic development in favour of the SPL."