SPFL opens bidding for 2029/30 Premiership TV rights

The SPFL has invited broadcasters to tender for UK rights to the William Hill Premiership from the 2029/30 season, with the number of live matches open to negotiation.

The SPFL has started the tender process for live UK television rights to the William Hill Premiership beginning with the 2029/30 season. This could lead to a rise in the quantity of games shown on TV and affect clubs such as ST Johnstone. The invitation, issued on Tuesday, lets broadcasters discuss how many matches will be aired, shifting from a set figure. Existing arrangements enable up to 82 matches to be televised each season.

Neil Doncaster, the SPFL's chief executive, mentioned the league expects "strong interest" from broadcasters for the upcoming rights. The present contract with Sky Sports, allowing up to 60 Premiership games each season, expires after the 2028/29 season. Premier Sports has a different agreement for an additional 22 matches. Total broadcast revenue helped deliver a record amount of nearly £50 million to clubs last season, which also recorded the highest attendances since the SPFL was formed.

The new tender may decide which broadcaster airs Scotland's top division after 2029 and if the count of televised games grows further. The SPFL said it is open regarding the future number of live matches, with no specific figure or financial details set for the 2029/30 package. The process starts well before the new rights take effect, providing a long negotiation period. Existing live broadcast setups stay the same for this season and the following one.

Their current priority, though, is on-field performance as they get ready to face second-placed Rangers this Saturday. The team's recent form is two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five matches, following a 1-1 home draw with Dundee United where Josh Fowler scored their goal. That result leaves them with a record of three wins, three draws and three losses this season, having scored 11 goals and conceded 11. They now sit 12 points behind leaders Celtic in the title race. Their recent run includes a 1-0 win away to Aberdeen, a 1-1 draw with Falkirk, a 1-0 loss to Celtic and a 2-1 victory over Hibernian.