The Scottish Football Association (FA) has confirmed a new five-year agreement with Premier Sports and BBC Scotland for the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup.
Under the new agreement, Premier Sports will maintain its current rights and gain an additional third match in rounds four and five. BBC Scotland will continue to provide live coverage of the tournament’s early stages, along with highlights and the broadcast of 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 deal, the Scottish Cup Final remains ‘free to air’, along with one semi-final. The competition is steeped in history, as the Scottish Cup trophy is the oldest in association football and is also the oldest national trophy in the world.
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 trophy itself is the oldest in the world, it is the second oldest competition in association football history, after the English FA Cup.
The English FA Cup has recently seen significant changes in its broadcasting arrangement. While it was previously available on free-to-air television, a new deal with TNT Sports and the BBC now means that some games will require a subscription to view.
On the Scottish deal, Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, remarked: “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.”
