Chris McLaughlinScotland sports news correspondent
PA Media
Research found the game generated £820m for the Scottish economy
Scottish football contributes more than £800m a year to the national economy, according to a new report.
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.
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SPFL group chief executive Neil Doncaster, left, and SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre, right, welcomed the result of the study
Neil Doncaster, group chief executive of the SPFL, said the report demonstrated the scale of football’s contribution to communities across the country.
“This new research underlines the hugely significant economic contribution of our clubs and fans right across the country,” he said.
The study also captures the increasing economic significance of women’s football following the integration of the SWPL into the SPFL Group in the 2022/23 season.
Attendances in the women’s game have risen steadily, accompanied by increased commercial investment and visibility.
Clubs are also competing more regularly in European competitions.
SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre said the findings showed that growth on the pitch was being matched off it.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see independent research clearly demonstrating the positive economic impact of both the men’s and women’s game in Scotland,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress of the women’s game, with growing attendances, increased investment and rising commercial interest helping to drive that contribution.”
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Glasgow City faced Brann in the 2023/24 Uefa Women’s Champions League
The findings represent a marked increase on the Institute’s previous SPFL-focused study, published in 2020 using data from the 2017/18 season.
That earlier report found that SPFL clubs and spectator spending contributed £444m to Scotland’s GDP and supported around 9,300 full-time equivalent jobs.
The Scottish FA said the economic benefits identified in the report also helped support wider social outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
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Attendances at games involving Scottish teams topped 6.8 million during the 2023/24 campaign
Chief executive Ian Maxwell pointed to initiatives such as the Extra Time programme, which provides breakfast clubs, after-school care and activity sessions for children.
“As the national association, we see how this economic benefit drives social impact,” he said.
“From job creation to sustaining local and national businesses, football clubs and their supporters have a significant positive impact across Scotland.
“This report is a great example of the game working together to reinforce the positive impact our clubs and fans make.”
‘Positive impact’
Sports minister Maree Todd welcomed the findings and said the government was keen to build on the game’s economic contribution.
“Our national sport has a positive impact right across Scotland and it’s very helpful to see how it also makes a major contribution to the Scottish economy,” she said.
The announcement comes as Scottish football looks ahead to further international exposure, with the men’s national team set to take part in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While the tournament will take place overseas, organisers and businesses expect associated travel, broadcasting and fan engagement to deliver additional economic benefits at home.
The Fraser of Allander Institute said the purpose of the research was not advocacy but evidence, providing a robust basis for discussion about football’s place in Scotland’s economy.
Its director, Prof Mairi Spowage, said the findings hihlighted the game’s influence away from the pitch.
“Football supports substantial levels of economic activity and employment across the country,” she said.
“The analysis helps to inform discussion about the role of professional football within the wider Scottish economy.”
