SPFL clubs receive record payments amid £50m target

Clubs within the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have received record payments.

The SPFL said on Thursday it distributed nearly £50m to member clubs in the last year as it closes in on the target of the same amount by 2029.

The accounts reveal total group distributions have increased by £7.6m (18%) to £49.6m – the highest figure in the league’s history.

SPFL group income totalled £58m, whilst fees paid to clubs by the SPFL also increased by £6m to £41.2m, representing a 17% increase.

The SPFL aims to distribute £50m to clubs by 2029, following an independent strategic review by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group in 2021.

The latest increase has been driven by several factors, including additional broadcast income from Sky Sports and Premier Sports for live Premiership matches until 2029.

It also includes an enhanced deal with Premier Sports for the broadcast and sponsorship of the Premier Sports Cup until at least 2031.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “In an increasingly competitive international rights market, these results are testament to the enduring attraction of the SPFL.

“These are by far the strongest financial results in the SPFL’s history, with turnover and total group distributions both surpassing the records set last year, and we are determined to maintain that momentum.

“Thanks to a great deal of hard work by clubs and individuals right across the SPFL, we’ve made substantial progress towards our £50m strategic target for club distributions.

“Crucially, as well as record-breaking commercial income, our member clubs have also welcomed the highest yearly attendances in the SPFL era, following one of the most exciting seasons Scottish football has ever experienced. That drama and energy has been reflected in the level of interest we’ve seen from our broadcast and commercial partners, in a season that saw a record-breaking number of games broadcast live.

“Successfully balancing broadcast revenue with match-day attendances and the unique atmosphere created within packed stadia is central to the SPFL being recognised widely as one of the most intense, compelling, and emotive sporting competitions in the world.”