BBC Alba secures live TV coverage deal with SPL

THE Scottish Premier League has agreed a new two-year deal with BBC Alba, which will see top-flight games 
broadcast live on the Gaelic television channel for the first time.

For this season and 2013/14, BBC Alba will show three live SPL matches per season, with Gaelic language commentary, starting with the local derby between Ross County and Inverness on Wednesday, 2 January.

There will also be delayed full match coverage of a further 35 games per 
season, normally shown at 5:30pm on Saturdays.

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “I am delighted to announce a new partnership with BBC Alba that will for the first time see Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches broadcast live with Gaelic language commentary.

“This new partnership will allow us to reach far and wide into new audiences and communities across Scotland.

“The SPL already has two live television deals in place with Sky Sports and ESPN and we look forward to growing our relationship with BBC Alba to promote Clydesdale Bank Premier League football, and the Gaelic language, even further over the next two seasons.”

Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC Alba, said: “BBC Alba is thrilled to continue our coverage of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with the addition of three live matches to add to our delayed full-match transmissions that have been so successful since 2008.

“The channel has received great support from the SPL since our launch and we expect this new deal to strengthen our relationship with the league.”