Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen have published proposed next steps of the recent Deloitte review into the SPFL’s commercial and revenue opportunities.
In 2021, a working group that included the Dons, Hearts, Hibernian, Dundee United and Dundee commissioned the study with the approval from the SPFL board.
The report looked to focus on four main areas, which included commercial growth, the SPFL brand, governance and structure, and strategic projects.
Supporters have been waiting for the results for the past few months after Hibs chairman Rob Gordon stated that the findings would be published by July at the latest.
In a statement released earlier this week, Aberdeen were the first to publish the intent of an action plan which will look to significantly incredible distributable income to Scottish clubs from £28.4 million to £50 million by 2029.
As a follow-up to the report, an ‘innovation and strategy’ group within the SPFL was tasked with exploring the next strategic steps on how the findings of the review could be achieved.
This group comprised of representatives from five clubs; Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian, Rangers and Celtic’s Michael Nicholson.
Those clubs have now developed a five-year strategy, which has received ‘overwhelming support’ from Scottish Premiership sides and will look to be implemented over the next five years.
Aberdeen’s statement revealed the strategic priorities, which included maximising broadcast income and growing commercial partnerships and revenues.
Improving the image, brand and profile of the SPFL is also a priority, with hopes to position the Scottish league as the “most dramatic, passionate and exciting in Europe”.
Alongside the focus of improving the men’s game, there are also goals to continue enhancing the profile, prowess and finances of the women’s elite game and establishing a sustainable youth development competition programme for SPFL clubs.
Reacting to these findings and the action plan looking to be implemented, Hibs chairman Ron Gordon spoke on behalf of the five clubs, stating: “We’re very excited about this strategic action plan which sets a new tone and direction for the SPFL and the game in Scotland.
“The proposed strategic building blocks are designed to grow our clubs, the SPFL, and the men’s and women’s game at every level.
“A more substantial and comprehensive broadcast partnership, a focused and robust commercial structure and team, an investment and commitment to the growth of the women’s game, and the development of our young men’s players are all critical to reaching our aspirational goal of £50 million in revenues.
“Football is Scotland’s passion – we have a dynamic and exciting league with historic clubs and passionate fans. The image and brand of the SPFL should reflect and celebrate the many positives that our clubs and league provide our communities across the country.
“I want to thank Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts and Hibs for their investment in the review, along with Celtic and Rangers for their participation and contributions in curating and refining the actionable recommendations of the study.
“Our thanks also go to the SPFL Board and Executive for their openness, receptivity and leadership in exploring and driving new ideas and opportunities to help advance, promote and grow our clubs, the league and our game.”
Time for clubs to turn words into action
Parts of these findings will be good to hear for supporters of Scottish Football clubs, with plans to help improve important aspects of football in this country.
Notably, it is stated that one of the priorities is maximising broadcast income, which has been a big talking point amongst supporters in recent days.
At this stage, it is crucial that clubs now look turn their words into action by pursuing plans to improve the image and finances of the game.
Top-flight clubs have taken notice that the SPFL could be doing better in helping promote the unique beauty that is Scottish Football and now must work to bring more opportunities to this country in the coming years.
Hopefully, these plans are already being brought into place, including in the recent negotiation of a brand new TV deal with Sky.
In other news, Report: Former Celtic man being eyed up for move by European giants; potential sell-on fee.
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