CELTIC and Scottish football fans will be able to buy virtual season tickets for their club as part of the new Sky Sports TV deal.
The SPFL and the satellite giants have agreed terms that provide a framework for the Premiership to kick off on August 1, under guidance from the Scottish Government.
Teams in the top flight, with the Hoops aiming for a record-breaking 10 titles on the trot, will create a ‘virtual season ticket’ for the 2020/21 season, providing an alternative source of matchday income while social-distancing measures prevent fans from attending matches.
This mean that during the forthcoming campaign, each Premiership club will be able to sell a package to season ticket holders to watch all their club’s home games.
From August, Sky Sports will also broadcast live coverage of the SPFL as part of a new lucrative deal, with 48 games available.
GOT IT DOWN TO A TEE…Neil Lennon proudly shows off the champions’ 9 in a row t-shirt. Picture courtesy Celtic FC.
The SPFL and Sky have also agreed to spread the financial settlement for the games unable to be completed in Season 2019/20 across the term of the new five-year contract, providing security and financial stability to the competition and its clubs.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster, speaking to the Scottish Sun, said: “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports.
“This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.”
Rob Webster, managing director of the satellite company, added: “Sky Sports is proud of our long-standing relationship with Scottish football and we have been committed to finding a positive solution for the SPFL and clubs.
JUST CHAMPION…skipper Scott Brown holds aloft the Premiership trophy. Picture courtesy Celtic FC.
“The virtual season ticket for the 2020/21 season is an innovative way to maintain the connection with fans and provide economic stability for the clubs, and we are very happy to support it.
“The new season promises to be a unique experience for the Scottish Premiership and our approach is to be as flexible and supportive of the clubs as we can be in these unique times.”
Scottish football went into cold storage in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic and was brought to an early conclusion last month. The SPFL hierarchy handed titles to the clubs outwith the top league with Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers winning their respective divisions.
The curtain came down on the Premiership on May 19 when Celtic, who had been leading the league by 13 points with only eight games to play, were awarded their ninth consecutive crown.
