Sky Sports, ESPN agree new five-year SPL rights deal

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) has today renewed its broadcast rights deal with Sky Sports and ESPN, ensuring they will show Clydesdale Bank Premier League games for a further five years.

Sky and ESPN will both continue to show 30 live matches per season across the UK from 2012/13 to the end of the 2016/17 season.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the SPL said that it had secured "improved terms".

In July 2009, Sky Sports and ESPN agreed a £65 million joint rights deal to SPL matches, following the collapse of previous owner, the sports broadcaster Setanta UK.

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster said that the league has enjoyed an "excellent relationship" with Sky and ESPN since 2009, including a 28% increase in viewing figures for matches.

"In the current economic climate, announcing an increase in value is excellent news for our clubs," said Doncaster.

"We are very much looking forward to working with both broadcasters over the coming seasons to continue to raise the profile of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and provide fans with excellent coverage of their league."

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: "We're delighted to agree this deal with the SPL and continue our partnership with Scottish football that began 20 years ago.

"This long-term agreement means Sky Sports viewers can continue to enjoy coverage of 30 live matches a season, including each Old Firm head-to-head, across TV, mobile, online and tablet devices."

ESPN (EMEA) managing director Ross Hair added: "The Clydesdale Bank Premier League has been an important part of our schedule in these first two-and-a-half seasons of our local ESPN channel in the UK and Ireland. Scottish football has performed well on ESPN as we work to build our brand locally and develop our long-term business.

"We are very proud of the coverage that we have delivered to fans and are very pleased that they have responded with great support and an increasing connection to ESPN on TV and across digital media. We are very excited to continue our coverage and pleased to extend a great partnership with the league."