Forget Clydesdale Bank, this lot sponsor our new league. |
This place does not run on peanuts. |
So it was with massive relief that news emerged of talks regarding a TV deal. After the grave concerns that Rangers were in serious risk of going under, broadcasting rights are now being sought by SFL chairmen which will cover the majority of Rangers’ matches – around 25 is the number currently being posited. IMG, the marketing and image rights’ giant, is working on a deal which will see those critical funds arrive through broadcasting rights, an agreement which, currently, will show, presumably, a game a week, with the marquee selling point being Rangers matches.
Might still be watching our games on this network next season. |
The further irony about all this is poor old Neil Doncaster and his SPL directors have to submit to a massive loss in revenue due to the renegotiation of their Sky/ESPN deal in light of the loss of Rangers. Currently worth £110M, the deal could be massively cut to a third less – rumours of a £40M offer have even been suggested, one described as ‘generous’ by insiders. So while the SFL may end up completely flourishing thanks to Rangers’ entry there, the league they have departed from really will go into financial meltdown.