SPFL announces record financial results and new chief operating officer

SPFL chief executive officer Neil Doncaster, pictured at Bonnyrigg Rose v Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup, is pleased with the financial results. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS

The accounts for season 2021/22 reveal that the SPFL recorded its highest-ever turnover of £39,523,000, an increase of 7% from the £36,784,000 income in 2020/21.

Fees paid out to clubs for season 2021/22 went up by 5% to £29,717,000. Additional payments to clubs included prize money and television facility fee payments from the Premier Sports Cup of £2,787,000, 9% higher than in in 2020/21.

The accounts also show overseas income up 5% and aggregate staff remuneration down 6%.

The accounts come a few days after the SPFL confirmed a new £30 million extension to its Sky Sports TV deal. It will see the broadcaster provide exclusive live coverage of up to 60 SPFL games per season from the 2024/25 campaign with scope to add further game bundles.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “These record results are extremely encouraging for our game and reflect the positive impact of the cinch title sponsorship, the largest single sponsorship deal in the history of the league, and the ongoing support that we continue to enjoy from Sky Sports and our other broadcast partners.

“It’s also important to recognise the outstanding commitment of our small team at the SPFL, which works tirelessly on behalf of our 42 member clubs, and deserves huge credit for the way league operations continued through the pandemic.

“With two of our clubs in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since Season 2007/08, and on the back of our recently-announced long-term contract with Sky Sports, the SPFL can look forward with real confidence to the years ahead.”

Meanwhile, Calum Beattie, who has been the SPFL’s company secretary for the past two years, has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer, reporting to Doncaster.

Doncaster added: “Calum has done fantastically well on the operational side of the league since he joined us in 2017. He fully deserves this promotion and will be a huge asset to me and the SPFL as we work together to drive forward the league for the benefit of all 42 member clubs.”