Setanta is now negotiating a lower contract for the TV rights to the SPL matches as a way of moving away from financial fragility.
The SPL will probably have no choice but to accede because the Irish broadcaster’s payment for TV rights injects crucial cash into the clubs. Even with lowered rates the SPL stands to pick up about £100m.
There also appears to be no other sports broadcaster in the horizon to telecast the SPL package, with Sky Sports only showing interest in the Old Firm rivalry, the most followed of all league matches, with the highest attendances. If the SPL decides not to re-negotiate the contract, then the league maybe in a fight for its survival.