Full stream ahead for live games

EXCLUSIVE

THE SPFL are closing in on an agreement with Sky Sports that would clear the way for Premiership clubs to offer fans live streams of matches played behind closed doors next season.

Sportsmail understands the broadcast discussions formed a key part of Monday’s Zoom call between representatives of the 12 top-flight sides and SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster. Clubs still have to give their formal approval to the plan before it can be signed off but it is thought to have widespread support as a vital

part of helping the game sustain itself financially while social-distancing measures prevent supporters from filling stadiums. Sky begin a new £125million, five-year contract with the SPFL on August 1 — the date pencilled in for the next Premiership season to start following recent talks with the Scottish Government and health officials. The broadcaster’s deal, signed back in 2018, gives it the right to screen 48 live Premiership games per season. Sky’s approval is required to allow clubs to stream matches through their online channels to fans in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Finalising that agreement would enable live coverage for supporters who buy season tickets to ensure they don’t miss any action when the turnstiles are closed. Additional revenue could be generated through the sales of individual match streams. The majority of Premiership clubs already have a tie-up with a streaming partner, while some could look to make improvements to their infrastructure to support the quality of the service provided. Discussions with Sky have also centred on the compensation due for Scottish football failing to finish last season as originally planned due to the coronavirus pandemic. A clawback of around £5m could have been due, but it’s believed the final settlement figure will be closer to £1m following negotiations.