Significant viewing figures rise for Scottish football  – Scottish Business News

Sky Sports viewing figures for SPFL matches this season have risen significantly – with nearly 2.5 million extra viewers tuning in for matches. 

The broadcaster saw a year-on-year rise of 24 per cent for peak audiences from games in the Scottish Professional Football League’s Premiership in season 2023/24.

A total cumulative audience of 12.5m watched SPFL games on the channel in season 2023/24, compared to 10.03 million in season 2022/23. Average audience for SPFL matches also rose from 228,000 to 285,000 viewers this season.

Sky Sports’ impressive viewing figures follows a thrilling title race in Scotland’s top-flight and drama across the division. 

It comes after viewership peaking at 1.44 million for April’s gripping 3-3 draw between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox in a new record for the SPFL era – the highest for a Scottish league match since the SPFL formed in 2013.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “It’s great news to see such strong growth in viewing figures for SPFL matches on Sky Sports this season.

“These fantastic viewing figures further demonstrate how compelling our national game is with supporters, as well as the significant interest in our game across Scotland and the UK.

“Sky Sports have been an excellent broadcaster partner for the SPFL over many seasons, and we look forward to continuing to build on our great working relationship in season 2024/25.”

This season’s peak audience for the Old Firm game overtook a previous audience record, when Rangers defeated Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park in December 2019.

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, said: “The figures underline our continued commitment to help grow the game alongside our partners at the SPFL. To see a significant rise in viewership across the season along with a record audience for a game in the SPFL era shows that we’re making some very positive steps. 

“The team – including new signing Chris Sutton – have elevated our coverage to a different level and we’re already looking forward to building on this season’s success in 2024/25.”