Scottish football clubs will continue to be allowed to broadcast league games next season after an agreement has been reached with pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports.
Clubs were able to broadcast all games to season ticket holders this season in the absence of fans and sell non-TV pay-per-view (PPV) match streams.
Although plans are in place to admit limited crowds to Hampden for Euro 2020, there remains uncertainty as to when restrictions on major events will be lifted in Scotland.
Thus, the agreement will allow clubs to sell season tickets, with the possibility of making the games available to fans online.
A statement from the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) reads: “With discussions still ongoing between football authorities and the Scottish government to allow supporters to attend matches in person, the new deal for the season 2021/22 gives certainty to fans and clubs about the possibility of watching matches live on TV.
SPFL General Manager Neil Doncaster added: “Over the past few months there have been intense and detailed discussions between us, Sky Sports and our clubs to give fans the confidence that they will be able to watch their heroes. play live next season, whatever the time. supporters are allowed to enter the stadiums.
“Today’s announcement is a major boost for everyone involved in the game.
“Obviously we are all desperate to get our supporters back into the field in a safe and sustainable manner and we are making good progress in our discussions with the Scottish Government, especially given the pace of the vaccine rollout.
“In a normal season, nearly five million fans attend SPFL matches, the highest per capita attendance in Europe, and the current broadcast deals have been an absolute lifeline for clubs and supporters then. that they fight against the enormous financial pressures caused by Covid-19.
“The viewership for Scottish football this season has been magnificent and that was one of the main reasons for our agreement with Sky Sports to extend our current agreements.”
Sky is entitled to broadcast 48 Scottish Premiership matches live as well as the playoff finals.
