SPFL Sky TV deal realities

The proposed new deal the Guardian report Sky TV and the SPFL are close to agreeing would see a modest uptick of £2m per season to £29.5m.

For that, Sky can broadcast 60 games each year, instead of the current 48 games. Each club would also be able to sell five pay per view (PPV) games.

The analysts I have read is universally hostile. The deal does not compare favourably with similar sized European countries, the average cost per broadcast game drops and there is little account for inflation.

The analysis is also mostly lazy as our misses the point. Scottish football TV audiences are all about two tribes. Viewing figures become noticeable only when they meet.

Oh for an AZ Alkmaar, to bring drama to Celtic games from midtable.

The SPFL sell TV rights in an open and competitive market. It is absurd to bemoan the deal and not recognise the harsh fact that it was better than all others on offer.

It’s all clubs take up their five PPV options, some will be playing to a TV audience of hundreds, perhaps dozens.