Scottish Cup to remain on Premier Sports and BBC for next five years

The Scottish Cup will continue to be shown live on Premier Sports and BBC Scotland for the next five years after the the SFA signed a new deal with the broadcasters.

The final will remain free to air along with one semi-final as clubs throughout Scotland compete for a place at Hampden and the chance to lift the oldest trophy in world football.

Celtic are the current holders after dramatic late winner against Rangers in the most recent final on May 25.

The Hoops also won it the previous year with Rangers and St Johnstone winning the two before that.

From next season Premier Sports rights remain the same but with additional matches shown live in rounds three and four.

BBC Scotland will continue to offer live coverage of the tournament’s early stages, along with recaps of the best of the action on their Sportscene highlights programmes and broadcasting the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final.

The Scottish FA’s 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.”

Michael O’Rourke, founder of Premier Sports, commented: “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.”

BBC Scotland’s head of commissioning, Louise Thornton, added: “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.”