In a very interesting development, the SPL (Scottish Premier League) has joined forces with YouTube in a deal which will see highlights and exclusive content made available to fans.

Match highlights and exclusive content will be made available to fans in the UK and around the world for the next three seasons.

The partnership is a first for league football in the UK and will see the SPL’s official YouTube channel ‘splofficial‘ screen highlights from every SPL match, beginning this season.

They have said that match highlights will be available for supporters in the UK to view from 6pm on Sundays.  The channel will also cover pre- and post-match reaction from players and managers, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes features.

Stuart MacPhee, SPL commercial manager, said: “Making Clydesdale Bank Premier League content available on YouTube will allow fans to access all the best action, on and off the pitch, whenever they want and wherever they are, be it at home on the laptop or on their smartphone on the bus to work.”

Stephen Nuttall, Senior Director, Sports for YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Football fans worldwide naturally go to YouTube to catch up on goals and highlights. Our partnership with The Scottish Premier League will give the global YouTube audience access to all aspects of Scottish football from the best on-field action to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.”

Manchester City and The FA have been leading the way in utilising YouTube with exclusive content but this is a first in terms of a rights holder, the SPL, pushing out match highlights.  The Premier League would be restricted on this with deals with Sky, BBC and ESPN making sure their hands are tied.

The SPL have taken advantage of their situation and created something of benefit to fans who will be able to access on any platform.