NEIL DONCASTER believes the Scottish Professional Football League’s new agreement with Sky Sports will “increase the exposure of Europe’s most exciting and passionate league”.

A contract extension between the SPFL 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.

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.

SPFL chief executive Doncaster 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.”