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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

SPFL clubs target £50m revenue goal as action plan revealed after Deloitte review

SPFL clubs target £50m revenue goal as action plan revealed after Deloitte review

SPFL clubs Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts and Hibs have welcomed a Deloitte action plan to increase revenue to £50m after an independent strategic review.

Deloitte Sports Business Group had been tasked with completing a "critical and transparent" review of the SPFL in 2021 by the five member clubs.

And following the report an "innovation and strategy group" withing the SPFL have worked to explore strategic actionable steps on how the findings in the review could be achieved. 

The vision aims to increase the distributable income to Scottish clubs from £28.4m to £50m by 2029 - as part of a "new era" for Scottish football.

Representatives from Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs and Rangers developed a five-year startegic plan to implement the recommendations with the plan presented to all Scottish Premiership clubs and receiving "overwhelming support".

It's said the purpose is a "realignment of the SPFL from a largely administrative function to a more robust and dynamic commercial structure".

Maximising broadcast income and growing commercial partnerships and revenues are strategic priorities in the action plan. This means secure more "commercially attractive deals" and increasing the value of overseas rights to broadcast matches.

The action plan is also targeting an improvement in the brand and profile of the SPFL with an aim to position the league as the “most dramatic, passionate and exciting” in Europe.

Other goals included are improving the "profile, prowess and finances of the women's elite game" and to establish a sustainable youth development competitions' programme for SPFL clubs.

On behalf of the five clubs, Hibs chariman Ron Gordon said: “We’re very excited about this strategic action plan which sets a new tone and direction for the SPFL and the game in Scotland.

“The proposed strategic building blocks are designed to grow our clubs, the SPFL, and the men’s and women’s game at every level.

“A more substantial and comprehensive broadcast partnership, a focused and robust commercial structure and team, an investment and commitment to the growth of the women’s game, and the development of our young men’s players are all critical to reaching our aspirational goal of £50 million in revenues. 

“Football is Scotland’s passion - we have a dynamic and exciting league with historic clubs and passionate fans. The image and brand of the SPFL should reflect and celebrate the many positives that our clubs and league provide our communities across the country.

“I want to thank Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Heart and Hibs for their investment in the review, along with Celtic and Rangers for their participation and contributions in curating and refining the actionable recommendations of the study.

“Our thanks also go to the SPFL Board and Executive for their openness, receptivity and leadership in exploring and driving new ideas and opportunities to help advance, promote and grow our clubs, the league and our game.”

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL , said: “On behalf of the SPFL, I would like to thank Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers for their constructive approach and their investment of time, money and expertise into this project, which will underpin the League’s strategy over the coming years.

“Their valuable work will undoubtedly enable the League to bring in additional commercial revenues for the benefit of all 42 SPFL Member Clubs and for Scottish football as a whole. It is an exciting time for the game.”

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