Kilmarnock FC Chair Expects SPL To Keep Bulk Of Its Broadcasting Income

Kilmarnock FC Chair Michael Johnston expects the Scottish Premier League to "retain the bulk of its broadcasting income this season" with ESPN set to follow Sky Sports in confirming their renewed commitment, according to the SCOTSMAN. Back in June, Scottish Football League clubs were told by football authorities that the SPL broadcasting value "could be as low as" £3M ($4.6M) a year if the new Rangers were voted into the Irn-Bru Third Division, but "those fears appear to have been largely allayed." Johnston, whose club recently announced "a six-figure sponsorship deal with Strathaven-based engineering firm QTS" said, "The good news for Kilmarnock is made even better by the news that Sky are going to carry on their five-year deal, and I believe ESPN are going to carry on with their planned sponsorship as well." Johnston estimates that the loss of two Rangers games "will cost his club £300,000 ($464,940) but he does not expect a major loss in SPL revenue" (SCOTSMAN, 8/2).