SPFL Lands Record Sponsorship Deal

Photo by Jeff Holmes

The Scottish Professional Football League has announced a record sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes after several years without a main backer.

The betting firm has signed a two-year contract from next season to sponsor all four divisions, with the top flight set to be called the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The SPFL described the deal as the "biggest ever of its kind in Scottish football".

The exact financial details have not been disclosed. Clydesdale Bank formerly sponsored the top division for £2million per year.

The league has been without a sponsor for the past two seasons as Clydesdale's extended deal ran out in the summer of 2013, when the SPL and SFL merged.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ladbrokes to the SPFL's growing family of key sponsors and partners and look forward to working with them from season 2015/16 at this truly exciting time for Scottish football."

The announcement is much-welcome good news for the SPFL after recent controversies over the scheduling of the final day of the Championship season and play-off income and the related funding of parachute payments.

Doncaster added: "As an established and respected leading brand in its very competitive marketplace, Ladbrokes is a perfect partner for the SPFL and we have a shared vision of a positive future for professional league football in Scotland.

"Ladbrokes' backing of Scottish football is hugely valued and appreciated and I say that not only on behalf of the SPFL but also for all 42 member clubs.

"Today's announcement is the result of significant investment of energy and effort and further strengthens our optimism about the future health of the game in Scotland.

"With all that positivity comes an opportunity to tell the story of a modern, engaging and exciting Scottish football environment and we look forward to doing just that with all our partners including new title sponsor Ladbrokes."

Ladbrokes' recent sponsorship ventures include the Rugby League Challenge Cup as well as major horse racing events. The firm's chief executive, Jim Mullen, said: "We love football so we are delighted to be working with the SPFL on one of the best opportunities in British sport.

"This partnership will help to propel Ladbrokes and the SPFL to new heights and will put us at the heart of Scottish football throughout the year. Getting people engaged with great sport and making sure they share our passion is at the very core of everything we are about.

"Our customers support clubs at every level of Scottish football from the professional leagues that we sponsor to the local Sunday league stalwarts.

"The Scottish game deserves a committed supporter and our financial backing will help to ensure every level of the game benefits from Ladbrokes' involvement."