Neil Doncaster dismisses "ludicrous" claims that SPFL did not test market
The league has signed a new record-breaking deal until 2029
Neil Doncaster has dismissed "ludicrous" claims that the league did not test the market before signing a record-breaking television deal with Sky Sports.
A contract extension between the Scottish Premier Football League and the broadcaster until 2029 has been announced that will see up to 60 SPFL matches - an increase on the current amount - shown live each season from 2024/25, with scope to screen more fixtures over the term of the deal.
SPFL chief executive Doncaster said: "Of course we have tested the market, it would be ludicrous to suggest otherwise.
"We had a meeting with the 12 Premiership clubs where we outlined the processes that we had gone through.
"We had a broadcast expert on board who understands fully what the environment is.
"The Sky Sports offer is the best deal in town."
Rangers chief Stewart Robertson had previously claimed Scottish football was continually being undersold by the SPFL.
The agreement will also incorporate Scottish Women's Premier League matches for the first time, with a minimum of five SWPL or League Cup matches to be shown live each season from the current one onwards.
Sky Sports will become an official partner of the SWPL and the title sponsor of the SWPL League Cup for the next seven seasons.
Doncaster also believes the League's new agreement with Sky will "increase the exposure of Europe's most exciting and passionate league" as he savoured "a very significant financial and promotional deal".
"Today's announcement represents a major financial boost for our 42 member clubs at a time when the UK economy is facing significant headwinds, and will increase the exposure of Europe's most exciting and passionate league," he said on Tuesday.
"We have much work to do to achieve our target of paying fees to member clubs of £50 million per season, but this is an important and significant first step towards that target.
"Sky has an unparalleled track record of capturing the spectacle and passion of our sport and this partnership will bring Scottish football's action-packed drama to an even wider audience."
SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre savoured "an historic moment" and "an enormous step forward for the women's game in Scotland".
"This deal brings significant financial investment to the new leagues and enhances the visibility of the SWPL at this crucial time for the game," she said. "I'm delighted that Sky Sports recognise the value and potential of the SWPL and will be a key partner for us as we enter into this new era.
"Our clubs have invested considerable resources and we can now see the rewards of that work, with increasing commercial interest. This deal will allow clubs to invest further and will put the SWPL on the map as one of the most progressive women's leagues in the world."