Scottish Football Association Approaches Broadcasters With Rangers TV Package

The Scottish Football League "has approached broadcasters with a package to show up to 25 live Rangers matches in Division Three next season," according to Chris McLaughllin of BBC SCOTLAND. The deal can not be finalized, however, "until the Scottish FA grants membership to the new club." SFL's media rep IMG "is inviting bids from interested parties, with a closing date of Monday." The proposed deal includes the opportunity to broadcast all 18 of Rangers' away league matches. The deal on the table "is subject to certain criteria, including fixture clashes, scheduling clashes and policing," but as the season starts in less than three weeks "they want all parties to move quickly." And BBC Scotland has learned "several parties have already declared an interest" (BBC, 7/19) In London, Tom Moodle reported the Scottish Premier League is continuing negotiations over its own television and radio deals. Neil Doncaster, the SPL CEO, has spent the last few days in talks with Sky and ESPN discussing what the broadcasters are willing to pay for a top league without Rangers (LONDON TIMES, 7/20).