SPFL Championship clubs fear they will LOSE money on games televised by the BBC as part of a new broadcasting deal – but are prepared to swallow the loss to bring more exposure to the league.
The second-tier currently has an agreement in place with the broadcaster to show 20 games per season mainly on Friday nights until 2029 but the Daily Mail are reporting that they have agreed to up that to 30. That’s despite fears that, as a direct result, clubs could lose up to £30,000 each due to a drop in ticket sales, hospitality and matchday income.
Chairmen know that potential loss is ‘not insignificant’ but see the increased exposure as more important than the financial shortfall. As such they have voted in favour of a new agreement, which will see the BBC’s Championship output upped to 30 games per season and broadcast a highlight package from Leagues One and Two on their website.
The report notes that, behind the scenes, chairmen hope the agreement could strengthen their negotiating position with the SPFL and the SFA on other hot-button issues, such as solidarity payments and artificial pitches. The latter is certainly in the forefront of minds in the lower leagues, with Championship promotion-chasers Falkirk and Livingston both ineligible to play in the Premiership from 2026/27 due to their surfaces.
That pair, as well as Airdrieonians, Cove Rangers, Hamilton, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers, have voiced their concerns to Mike Mulraney, and may feel agreeing to compromise over the TV deal gives them some leverage.