SPFL

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is the national league competition in Scotland, formed in 2013 through the merger of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and the Scottish Football League (SFL). It brings together the country’s professional leagues under a single governing body, coordinating the league competition schedule, governance, and commercial activity for its member clubs.

Structure and season: The SPFL operates four divisions: the Scottish Premiership (12 clubs) and the Scottish Championship, Scottish League One, and Scottish League Two (each with 10 clubs). The season typically runs from August to May, with clubs playing home-and-away schedules. Promotion and relegation between divisions are determined by league standings and play-offs administered by the SPFL, subject to each division’s rules and structure.

Governance and administration: The SPFL is governed by a member-elected board and led by a chief executive who oversees day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include scheduling, competition rules, disciplinary matters, broadcasting and sponsorship, and coordination with partner bodies such as the Scottish Football Association to align development and governance across Scottish football.

Competitions and cup involvement: In addition to the league competitions, SPFL clubs participate in domestic cup tournaments. The Scottish League Cup is organized by the SPFL and involves SPFL member clubs; the Scottish Challenge Cup has also been run under SPFL auspices for lower-division teams. The Scottish Cup is organized by the Scottish Football Association and includes SPFL clubs alongside teams from other leagues.

Broadcasting, finance and development: The SPFL negotiates media rights and distributes revenue to member clubs to fund league operations, prize money, and development programs. It also pursues sponsorship and partnership deals to promote Scottish football domestically and internationally.