The Scottish Football Association (SFA), the governing body of football in Scotland, has developed a five-year extension with Premier Sports and BBC Scotland for the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup, Scotland’s most prestigious football knockout competition.
Premier Sports will keep its present rights under the updated contract and receive an extra third game in rounds four and five. The early stages of the competition will still be covered live by BBC Scotland, along with highlights and the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final.
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive at Scottish FA, said, “This new agreement underlines Premier Sports’ and BBC Scotland’s commitment to Scottish football and, particularly in this case, the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. In an era of multiple subscription platforms across football and life in general, we’re pleased to be able to offer consistency with established partners who take pride in their involvement in our showpiece competition.
“It represents stable income for our member clubs and the wider Scottish game that allows the various stakeholders to plan ahead with an added degree of certainty. We all have our cherished Scottish Cup memories. We’re looking forward to seeing new ones created and showcased alongside our partners at Premier Sports and BBC Scotland.”
Following the agreement, the Scottish Cup Final and one semi-final will continue to be ‘free to broadcast’. The competition has an abundant past since the Scottish Cup trophy is one of the oldest in association football and the globe’s oldest national trophy.
Michael O’Rourke, Founder of Premier Sports, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with the Scottish FA, having broadcast this historic cup competition for the past six seasons with some unforgettable moments. This new deal reaffirms our commitment to Scottish football, with rights now to the Scottish Cup, Scottish Premiership, and Premier Sports Cup and we look forward to bringing viewers even more quality coverage of the biggest games for the next five years.”
Although the championship is the oldest in the globe, it is the second-oldest tournament in association football history, after only the English FA Cup.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, said, “Our live highlights coverage of the Scottish Cup is a highly valued part of BBC Scotland’s sports content for audiences. Each season the tournament produces thrilling stories and we’re delighted that this agreement allows us to continue broadcasting the best of the action, including the showpiece final. Extending the agreement is a great result for our audiences, who’ll be able to enjoy Sportscene’s brilliant coverage of the competition for another five years.”