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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ross Pilcher

Virtual season ticket will allow fans to watch games after SPFL and Sky confirm new broadcast deal

We know Hibs fans will be able to watch their side's return to action despite games being played behind closed doors.

But Hearts fans must wait until they know which league they'll be playing in in 2020/21.

Social distancing restrictions mean it could be some time before punters are allowed back through the turnstiles, but the SPFL and Sky Sports have agreed a deal to broadcast matches from August.

They have announced a new “virtual season” ticket package that will allow season ticket holders to watch their team’s home games via subscription, which clubs can sell.

It’s also been confirmed that the money owed to Sky for the remaining games – thought to be around £1.5m – will be spread over the five years of the new agreement.

The Scottish Premiership aims to restart at the beginning of August, although a league reconstruction proposal must be decided on first before the fixtures can be worked out.

The broadcasting deal, which will allow Sky to show up to 48 games per year, will provide a vital income source for many clubs facing a cashflow disaster without any gate receipts for the foreseeable future.

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster (SNS Group)

That could supplement the reported £4.75million rescue package offered by Hearts benefactor James Anderson, who has to date ploughed £9million into the Gorgie club.

Via Ann Budge, he has offered to fund the cost of testing for SPFL clubs as well as provide extra funds to help pay the bills.

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster met with Anderson on Monday via video conference and revealed discussions with the Edinburgh businessman had gone well.

And Doncaster hailed the flexibility shown by both clubs and Sky in order to find a solution.

“This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports,” he said.

“This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during Season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.”

Rob Webster, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports is proud of our long-standing relationship with Scottish football and we have been committed to finding a positive solution for the SPFL and clubs.

"The virtual season ticket for the 2020/21 season is an innovative way to maintain the connection with fans and provide economic stability for the clubs, and we are very happy to support it.

“The new season promises to be a unique experience for the Scottish Premiership and our approach is to be as flexible and supportive of the clubs as we can be in these unique times.”

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