Neil Doncaster's bumper SPFL salary increase revealed as 13-year rise laid bare

Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster has secured a substantial pay rise, it has been revealed.

The SPFL posted record figures last month that showed a six per cent increase in turnover from £41.9m to £44.3million for season 2023-24, while payments to clubs also went up by £2 million to £33.7 million – another 6 per cent increase. The rise was primarily driven by the SPFL's new Sky Sports TV deal, as well as revenue growth from the the SPFL's other domestic and overseas broadcasting agreements.

The accounts published via Companies House also show that Doncaster's annual salary increased by more than seven per cent to £453,000, up £23,000 from the £422,000 paid the previous year. Doncaster’s salary has now risen 163 per cent since 2011, when his salary was £172,000. Under his watch, the SPFL’s turnover has increased by 98.5 per cent.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster's annual salary has increased by £281,000 since his appointment in 2011. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group) | SNS Group

In his current post for 11 years, having previously served as CEO of the Scottish Premier League, Doncaster reportedly has a two-year notice period, and it would now cost the SPFL over £900,000 to part company with their current CEO if desired.

Addressing the SPFL’s financial figures last month, Doncaster said: “We’re really proud to announce record turnover and fee payments to our member clubs as we continue to build on the strong income growth and commercial deals in recent years.

“Given the challenging market and economic conditions right now, these encouraging results reinforce the huge popularity of Scottish football, as well as the level of interest this generates with our broadcasters and our increasing roster of partners.

“In recent months, we’ve agreed a major new title sponsorship deal with William Hill, as well as a new TV contract with Premier Sports. The SPFL has just reported significantly higher attendances per capita than any other European league in a new UEFA report, and whilst we’ll never be complacent, these results give us a strong foundation upon which to further improve our performance.”