SPL nets new five-year live football deal with Sky and ESPN
The Scottish Premier League has signed a new five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and ESPN.
The deal extends the current arrangement until the 2016/17 season and will see each broadcaster continue to show 30 live games per season across the UK.
The league has not disclosed how much the deal is worth but Sky said it brought "improved terms" for each of the SPL clubs.
Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPL, said: "Sky Sports and ESPN are two of the biggest names in sports broadcasting and the SPL has enjoyed an excellent relationship with both broadcasters over the course of the current contract, a period which has seen a 28 per cent increase in viewing figures.
"In the current economic climate, announcing an increase in value is excellent news for our clubs. We are very much looking forward to working with both broadcasters over the coming seasons to continue to raise the profile of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and provide fans with excellent coverage of their league."
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, added: "We're delighted to agree this deal with the SPL and continue our partnership with Scottish football that began 20 years ago.
"This long term agreement means Sky Sports viewers can continue to enjoy coverage of 30 live matches a season, including each Old Firm head-to-head, across TV, mobile, online and tablet devices."