Soccer: New Sky deal for SPL

The Scottish Premier League have struck a new six-figure sponsorship deal with BSkyB.

The "substantial" agreement is set to run until the end of season 2001/02, and the SPL insist that means more financial benefits for the 12 top-flight clubs.

The new broadcasting deal follows BSkyB's sponsorship of the league which has been in place since 1998.

SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell said: "The new split league format has added a tremendous amount of excitement to the league, and we're witnessing a higher standard of football than ever before.

"The SPL is a body dedicated to the development of Scottish football, and deals such as this one go a long way in helping us increase the profile of the league and our clubs."

BSkyB director of marketing Scott Menneer added: "This has been a fascinating season for the SPL, on and off the pitch.

"Sky Sports has been delighted with its broadcast deals, and the time is right to add further support to the Scottish game through this sponsorship deal."