Scottish FA signs 5 year BBC deal – Prolific North

BBC Scotland has secured a new 5-year deal to cover the men’s Scottish Cup.

The contract includes live coverage from all stages of the competition, including the final and one semi-final.

Premier Sports will air an additional third match in rounds 4 and 5.

Meanwhile BBC Scotland will get in-game and near live digital highlights as part of the contract. In addition, the broadcaster will continue live screening of the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final for the duration of the agreement.

“Our live and 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 with allows us to continue broadcasting the best of the action, including the showpiece final,” said Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland.

“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.”

Michael O’Rourke, founder of Premier Sports, added: 

“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.”

On BBC Scotland, audience figures for last month’s Celtic v Rangers Cup Final peaked at 735,000, that’s a 65% share of the total television audience watching at that time.

“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,” said the Scottish FA’s Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell.

“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.”