Viaplay Sports UK Crisis - Scottish Sun: Viaplay spark ‘withdrawal’ fears as SPFL broadcast partner posts huge loss

Story from Scottish Sun:

Scottish football could be hit with a major broadcasting blow after Viaplay revealed they are reviewing their services.

It's suggested the Scandinavian broadcaster could undergo a major roll back of their UK sport coverage less than a year after they took over the rights for Premier Sports.

The Irish company was bought over last July and was renamed as Viaplay Sports in the UK in November.

The takeover saw a mid-season name change of the Scottish League Cup and the competition was rebranded as the Viaplay Cup at the semi-final stage.

The Swedish media company has undergone rapid international expansions in recent years but has since struggled with consumers cutting back on subscriptions.

It has now been confirmed that Viaplay will present an update on their situation on July 20 with cost-cutting measures expected following disappointing sales last month.

It's claimed the figures will lead to the company withdrawing from some countries to focus on their core markets in Scandinavia.

And that could be a blow for the SPFL and SFA with Viaplay having the rights for both the League Cup and Scottish Cup.

RXTV have revealed that Viaplay have suffered losses of £24.1million since improving their UK services.

If they decide to withdraw their services in the UK then it will force the SPFL to look elsewhere and sell their rights to another broadcaster.

The company also have the rights for Scotland games in the Nations League as well as the next three international tournaments, including all friendlies that take place during that time.

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster revealed he was delighted with the new broadcaster when they took over from Premier Sports.

He said at the time: “Everyone at the SPFL is thrilled to be working with our new title cup sponsor Viaplay.

"This cup has been a success for many years and Viaplay’s coverage and support of this competition until at least 2026/27 is very welcome indeed.

"We are looking forward to the exciting Viaplay Cup semi-finals in January and the final in February - all games which can be watched live and exclusively on Viaplay.”