SFA confirm new Scottish Cup TV deal as audience figures for Celtic v Rangers final revealed

The Scottish FA has struck a deal with Premier Sports and BBC Scotland that will see the broadcasters continue to share TV rights for the Scottish Cup until 2029.

The new five-year agreement ensures the Scottish Cup final remains free-to-air, along with one semi-final, while Premier Sports have secured rights to show an additional third match in rounds four and five. For the first time, BBC Scotland will also have 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. The news follows hot on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement from the SPFL that Premier Sports has secured rights to show 20 Scottish Premiership matches for the next five years, on top of the 60 matches that Sky Sports have obtained.

Scottish FA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, said: “This new agreement underlines Premier Sports’ and BBC Scotland’s commitment to Scottish football and, particularly in this case, the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. 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. “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 “We all have our cherished Scottish Cup memories. We’re looking forward to seeing new ones created and showcased alongside our partners at Premier Sports and BBC Scotland.”

The Scottish Gas Scottish Cup trophy at Hampden Park. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

The BBC has revealed that the live audience for last month’s Celtic v Rangers cup final on BBC One Scotland peaked at 735,000, representing a 65 per cent share of the total television audience watching at that time. The match went ahead at the same time as the FA Cup final in England between Manchester City and Manchester United and was also shown live across the UK on Premier Sports.

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