Celtic's global outlook now paying off for the rest of Scottish football

By John McGinley

July 18, 2022

The SPFL have signed a new TV deal with Japanese streaming company SPOTV Japan for the coming season, which plans to emphasise Celtic matches, it was announced over the weekend.

SPOTV also hold Japanese rights to the English Premier League and Major League Baseball, with the Scottish Premiership now added to an increasingly robust portfolio.

Since last summer, Celtic have been organically expanding into global football markets due to high-profile moves for Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo Furuhashi and the rest of the Japanese Bhoys at Celtic Park.

Interest from Japan’s football community is high, while Postecoglou’s success was pretty much mainstream news in Australia.

It’s only a benefit for Scottish football as a whole, as evidenced by this latest deal.

The SPFL did have an existing partnership with DAZN, but it seems likely with a new rival entering the market and prompting a switch-up, there would be an increase in money paid to the league.

SPOTV plans to air 38 Premiership matches across the season, one from each round, which is not far away from the 48 scheduled to be on Sky Sports in our own country.

The streamer has stated their coverage will be centred on Celtic, but it’s also a chance for football fans in Japan to see what the rest of the Premiership can offer.

With reports of a planned tour to Japan in 2023, there could be further money-making opportunities for the Bhoys in Asia.

Meanwhile, the club are also being paid handsomely to attend a Sydney Super Cup event later this year.

Thankfully, it also coincides with all our global figures performing excellently in Glasgow, delivering trophies and becoming hugely popular with supporters.

The best bit about it is that none of it feels forced. This is just how we’re functioning right and it feels good.

In other news, James Forrest praises “under the radar” Celtic teammate who is set to shine this season.