Scottish football "is finally on the brink of landing a new sponsorship deal"-- on the back of a one-off League Cup semi-final showdown between Celtic and Rangers, according to Gary Ralston of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. The Scottish Professional Football League is auctioning off a three-match package "for the latter stages of the competition" at a cut-price £50,000 ($78,000). There are advanced discussions with a number of potential bidders, "all vying to have their brand attached to what will be the first Old Firm showdown in three years, on February 1." As part of the package, the other Hampden semi between Aberdeen and Dundee United "will be sold off to the same buyer who will then also have the option of sponsoring the final on March 15" (DAILY RECORD, 12/9). STV reported a spokesperson for the SPFL said, “We have been speaking to a number of different parties regarding prospective sponsorship for the Scottish League Cup competition, not only for this season but also next." The League Cup "has been without a sponsor this season, while the league has been searching for a new sponsor for three years" (STV, 12/9).
