Clubs discuss new television deal

Jul 8 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

REPRESENTATIVES from all 12 Scottish Premier League clubs met in Glasgow yesterday to discuss the search for a new TV broadcasting deal.

It’s understood at the top of the agenda during the meeting at Hampden Stadium was a joint bid by satellite broadcasters Sky and ESPN to televise live SPL matches.

Although the deal being put together by Sky and ESPN is understood to be considerably less than the £125million four-year contract agreed with Setanta Sports before the Irish company went into administration, the deal would at least guarantee some welcome TV revenue for St Mirren and the other teams in Scottish football’s top flight.

Other broadcasting options are also expected to be considered by SPL bosses and no final decision was expected to be made yesterday.

Setanta collapsed earlier this summer after failing to make deadlines for regular payments to both the Premier League in England and their Scottish counterparts.

The Irish broadcaster reneged on the final payment of £3million due to the SPL for broadcasting live games last season.

The league decided to seek new partners as a result.