New five-year Scottish Cup TV deal revealed

NEAR live digital highlights and in-game additions will enhance armchair fans’ view of the Scottish Cup next season.

But crucially for many, the final is staying FREE to air.

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The SFA and BBC Scotland have announced a new five-year extension which keeps the Final, one semi-final and early round matches on terrestrial TV.

The Beeb already held the rights to the big game – which they shared with Premier Sports last season – and several games on the Road to Hampden.

And viewers tuning in to the Old Firm derbylast month – edged by Adam Idah’s late, late winner for Celtic against Rangers – peaked at 735,000.

That equalled a 65% share of the total television audience watching at that time, according to figures from Pacific Quay.

Sportscene will also continue live coverage of the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final alongside the men‘s top level trophy, and will add in-game and near live digital highlights as part of the contract next season.

Subscription service Premier Sports have also enhanced their offering too – and picked up an extra match for rounds four and five.

 SFA 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.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: ‘Our live and 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 with 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.”

The news follows the SPFL expanding their TV deals and signing an eight-figure deal with Premier Sports, to bring an extra 20 games to screen next season.

And Sky Sports released viewing figures from the top flight which revealed a massive increase of 2.5MILLION in season 2023-24.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page