SPL considers dual offer from Sky and ESPN

In an attempt to fill the vacancy left behind by Setanta, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) is contemplating a joint offer from Sky and ESPN.

With Sky expected to sweep in and secure the honours, ESPN seized the opportunity to become part of the bidding process.

In a surprising twist, it looks as though Sky and ESPN could come together to form a five-year package that would rectify the gap created by sinking broadcaster Setanta, as reported by The Guardian.

While the financial benefits may not be as lucrative as the SPL’s former contract, the latest deal could bring in an estimated GBP 100 million. As a result, the SPL would secure GBP 12 million more than they expected to receive from Setanta next year.

A few issues to be ironed out include determining which channel would air the matches and provide the most funding.

Speculation has suggested that Sky take on the smaller role, based on its current lineup of 450 live games per season.

However, the broadcaster could still assume at half of the 60 games shared by the two companies, in exchange for guaranteed broadcasting rights to the SPL’s four major events.