The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced record prize money as part of a revamp of the Challenge Cup.
Revealed on May 7, the tournament will now be known as the KDM Evolution Trophy, following a new title sponsorship deal with manufacturing firm KDM Group.
Neil Doncaster, Group Chief Executive of the SPFL, noted the company has a long history of supporting Scottish football. This includes a deal with the Scottish FA’s Soccer Centre and sponsorship of Dunfermline Athletic’s stadium.
Doncaster continued: “We are really pleased to welcome KDM Group as the title sponsor for the KDM Evolution Trophy from season 2025/26, and to announce a significant rise in prize money for next season’s competition.”
The league reported clubs will share an estimated £1.25m in prize money for the 2025/26 KDM Evolution Trophy, which represents an increase of more than 50% compared to this season’s competition.
Winners of next season’s tournament will receive £150,000, alongside increased prize money for passing each stage in the competition.
Following in UEFA’s footsteps
The SPFL also confirmed changes to the tournament format, which are designed to support youth development and reduce operational costs.
The updates see Premiership B teams continue to feature, as part of a wider strategy aligned with the Scottish FA’s new Cooperation System to give more playing time to youth prospects aged 15-21.
Inspired by UEFA’s new club tournament formats, the new structure introduces a league-phase opening round that will be regionalised to help minimise travel costs. Championship clubs will join from the Round of 32, which will then follow a standard knockout format.
Despite the European football governing body facing harsh criticism ahead of this year’s fresh approach, supporters have warmed to the format as the tournaments come to an end.
A key feature of the new format is it gives larger clubs a greater margin for error, helping to keep them in the competition longer, a move that benefits the tournament financially, as these clubs typically attract the biggest audiences.
Meanwhile, smaller clubs gain from the opportunity to face a wider range of opponents, increasing their chances of drawing high-profile matchups, boosting ticket sales and visibility.
“We’re confident the new competition format will help develop some of our most promising players across the country. Allowing players to compete at a high level from the age of 15 will pay dividends for them, for their clubs and ultimately, for the national side,” Doncaster concluded.
