ESPN could quit Scottish football with TV deal cancellation

SPORTS broadcaster ESPN could pull put of their deal to show Scottish football at the end of this season.

It is understood that the sports network has a clause in their contract that allows them to cancel the current deal, signed last summer, with the SPL and SFL.

ESPN recently lost the rights to broadcast English Premier League football, the knock-on effect of that loss could mean they look to cut all ties with Scottish football.

Viewing figures for the SPL have dipped this season, in part due to the loss of Rangers from the top flight, and the prospect of another tumultuous off-season with league realignment in the offing could prove a turn off for television networks.

ESPN’s current deal is worth around £4 million to Scottish football, if they end their deal prematurely Sky could step in giving them a monopoly on coverage of the Scottish game.

The ESPN Scottish football deal - 30 games a season including 10 Rangers games - could be of interest to BT Vision who have dipped into the live football market by signing the rights to show the English Premier League.