In the contemporary digital age, the inability to catch a major game like the one between Hibernian and Celtic in the SPFL on live television or streaming platforms feels like a step back in time. The game isn’t on the broadcasting roster of Sky Sports, the primary rights holder for the league, and Hibernian chose not to utilise the option of airing it on their own Pay-Per-View channel, an option facilitated for up to five games per season when Sky doesn’t pick them up. This scenario propels many fans towards unauthorised streaming sites, as legal viewing avenues are narrowed down significantly. The question then arises: why, in 2023, are fans still relegated to chasing shadows on the less than legal corners of the internet?
The digital era has diversified the way audiences consume sports, yet the broadcasting model of the SPFL seems to be trailing. The current structure means a Celtic fan would need subscriptions to Sky Sports, Viaplay for cup games, and TNT Sports for European games to follow their team comprehensively. And yet, despite the financial commitment, some games like the Hibernian vs Celtic match fall through the cracks. This fragmented approach frustrates fans and pushes them towards illegal streaming platforms which, while risky, provide the sought-after content without the hefty price tag or the hassle.
The absence of a specific policy hindering the broadcast of the Celtic vs Hibernian game highlights a systemic issue where the existing broadcasting arrangements lack the flexibility to accommodate the evolving demands of a modern audience. It’s a glaring omission that calls for a more fan-centric, adaptable approach to broadcasting rights and game accessibility.
A potential remedy could lie in establishing a centralised streaming platform for all SPFL games, ensuring no fan misses out on any match, regardless of its perceived magnitude by broadcasters. This unified platform could obliterate the need for multiple subscriptions and create a one-stop solution for SPFL followers.
Furthermore, encouraging clubs to optimally utilise their rights to broadcast games not selected by the primary rights holder could fill the broadcast gaps and enhance accessibility. Such a move could also serve as an additional revenue stream for the clubs, while simultaneously deterring fans from resorting to unauthorised streaming platforms.
The SPFL, clubs, and broadcasters need to synergise and innovate to align the broadcasting model with modern consumer expectations and digital advancements. The current scenario, where fans are left in the lurch for some games, undermines the essence of sports as a shared experience. As the global sports community marches towards greater digital integration, it’s imperative that the broadcasting models in the SPFL evolve in tandem, ensuring every fan has the opportunity to support their team legally as effortlessly as possible.
