The SPFL’s Competitions Working Group is exploring significant changes to the structure of Scottish football’s top divisions, with the current 12-team Premiership model potentially set for an overhaul.

Stephen McGowan of the Herald has revealed the changes proposed.

One of the most radical proposals on the table is a move to a 10-team top-flight and the scrapping of the top-six/bottom-six post-split format. Under this plan, the total number of Premiership matches would drop from 38 to 36, easing fixture congestion—particularly for clubs involved in European competitions, who now face more games due to UEFA’s expanded group stages.

A 10-team second tier and a larger third league are also being considered as part of the wider reshuffle. However, the 10-team Premiership would mark the smallest top flight in Scottish football since the early 1990s. But it’s not popular with fans, who are keen to expand the league rather than reduce it.

Alternative options reportedly under review include keeping the current 12-team format or expanding the league to 14 or 16 teams. A 14-club setup could help preserve the frequency of major derbies like Celtic vs Rangers, Hearts vs Hibs, and the Dundee derby, but the issue of imbalanced fixtures post-split would remain.

While discussions are still in the planning stages, and clubs have yet to be formally consulted, change could be introduced as early as next season, although the 2026/27 campaign appears more likely.

Any restructuring will require broad support: 11 of the 12 Premiership clubs must vote in favour, along with 75% of the Premiership and Championship combined, and 75% of all 42 SPFL member clubs.