The SFA have confirmed a new five-year agreement with Premier Sports and BBC Scotland for coverage of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. The Final remains ‘free to air’, along with one Semi-Final, as clubs compete for the oldest trophy in world football. From next season, Premier Sports rights remain the same with an additional third match in rounds four and five. BBC Scotland will continue to offer live coverage of the tournament’s fiercely competitive early stages, along with recaps of the best of the action on their Sportscene highlights programmes. This is in addition to broadcasting the SFA Youth Cup Final.
The SFA’s Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell, 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."
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."
BBC Scotland’s Head of Commissioning, Louise Thornton, added: "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."