SPFL Confirms Live Broadcasts of Bottom-Six Matches Under New TV Deal

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced a change to its broadcast agreements that will see two bottom-six Premiership matches televised live from next season — a first in several years.

The shift follows a revised deal with Sky Sports and Premier Sports, who hold the rights to screen live Scottish Premiership matches. Under the existing arrangement, Sky Sports can show up to 60 live games per season, while Premier Sports began a five-year deal last season to broadcast 20 live matches annually.

Previously, Premier Sports was restricted from airing any matches after game 33, when the Premiership splits into top and bottom halves. However, following ongoing discussions, the SPFL has confirmed that Premier Sports will now be permitted to show two live bottom-six fixtures, addressing long-standing concerns from fans and pundits about the lack of televised coverage at the lower end of the table.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster welcomed the update, calling it “great news for fans” and a reflection of efforts to bring greater visibility to the relegation battle.

“We know supporters have been keen to tune into the most exciting games in the bottom six as clubs battle to avoid relegation,” Doncaster said. “We’d like to thank both Sky Sports and Premier Sports for their collaboration in agreeing to this adjustment.”