VIAPLAY will pull out of all UK markets as they look to steady the ship after the broadcaster haemorrhaged cash last year.
It means the broadcaster will end their association and sponsorship with Scottish football; however, they’re tied in for another three years with our cup competitions.
Scandinavian streamer Viaplay revealed its plans on Thursday to concentrate on its main markets in the Nordics and the Netherlands. This involves terminating its streaming services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as letting go of over 25% of its employees. These measures are part of a broader cost-cutting strategy in response to various business challenges highlighted by Viaplay’s new CEO.
The Viaplay CEO said in an update on Thursday morning through the Hollywood reporter: “We are today announcing a new strategy and plan, which includes, but is not limited to, focusing on our core Nordic, Netherlands and Viaplay Select operations (which make available a wide range of Viaplay series, films and documentaries through partners around the world); implementing a new operational model; downsizing, partnering or exiting our other international markets; rightsizing and pricing our product offering in the Nordics; undertaking a major cost reduction program; and conducting an immediate strategic review of the entire business to consider all options, including content sublicensing, asset disposals, equity injections or the sale of the whole group.”
RecordSport reported this week that the SPFL have already had the upfront cash for this coming season from Viaplay, so there’s no panic button being hit just yet.
Scottish football and the clubs rely on these TV deals, especially smaller ones. We saw the chaos that ensued when Setanta went bust back in the day, leaving Scottish football in disarray. Does it speak to a wider problem that Scottish football doesn’t vet these broadcasters and just put their hands out?
The SPFL chiefs must work towards contingency plans in case of a worst-case scenario.
