The Scottish Football League has commenced a search for a new domestic television rights deal that could cover up to 25 live matches involving Glasgow Rangers.
Scottish newspaper the Daily Record said the SFL, which governs the three divisions below the top-tier Scottish Premier League (SPL), has asked the IMG Media agency to invite expressions of interest from broadcasters for rights for Scottish Third Division matches for 2012-13.
It was announced last Friday that, following its liquidation, former SPL club Rangers will begin life as a new company in the Third Division. The SFL’s member clubs voted against allowing it to enter the First Division, the tier below the SPL.
A new broadcast deal cannot be finalised until the Scottish Football Association grants membership to the new club. The Daily Record reports that the SFL is already seeking broadcasters interested in acquiring a package of live rights that would cover all of Rangers 18 away matches in Division Three. Broadcasters could also televise up to another seven games featuring Rangers in cup competitions. The SFL wants broadcasters to register their interest by Monday.
An SFL source told the Daily Record: “We’re looking at talking to broadcasters. We would not be doing our jobs if we weren’t. Rangers are hugely marketable and we have to look after the interests of our 30 clubs by exploring all possibilities. Rangers coming to the SFL has changed the landscape.”