Football worth over 800m to Scottish economy

"The study by the Fraser of Allander Institute found that the professional men's and women's game, alongside the national teams, generated 820m during the 2023/24 season when fan spending was included. Without spectator-related expenditure, the sport's direct economic contribution stood at 545m, supporting the equivalent of 9,245 full-time jobs rising to14,315 with matchday spending added. Attendances at professional matches involving Scottish teams topped 6.8 million during the 2023/24 campaign."

"The research was commissioned by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA). It was carried out independently by the Glasgow-based economic think tank. The report examined the impact of football through the day-to-day economic activity of clubs themselves and spending by supporters attending domestic league and cup matches. It also took into account expenditure linked to "international" fixtures - including Scotland men's and women's national team matches and European club competitions."

"Researchers analysed club accounts, revenues and operational spending, alongside detailed case studies from clubs across different leagues. That data was then fed into a wider economic model to estimate the ripple effects across sectors such as hospitality, transport and retail. According to the findings, the total turnover of the Scottish football sector during the season was 426m. The industry accounts for about 20% of the direct gross value added (GVA) generated by Scotland's sports and recreation sector."

Scottish football, including professional men's and women's clubs and national teams, generated 820m in the 2023/24 season when fan spending was included. Without spectator-related expenditure, the sport's direct economic contribution was 545m. The industry supported the equivalent of 9,245 full-time jobs, rising to 14,315 with matchday spending. Attendances at professional matches exceeded 6.8 million. Total sector turnover during the season was 426m and the industry accounted for about 20% of direct gross value added in Scotland's sports and recreation sector. Analysis of club accounts, revenues, operational spending and case studies fed into an economic model estimating ripple effects across hospitality, transport and retail, and included expenditure linked to international and European fixtures.

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