Scottish football is worth more than £800m to the country’s economy, new research has found.
The game also supports 14,000 jobs across Scotland, according to analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclide.
Attendances at professional matches involving Scottish teams exceeded 6.8 million during the 2023/24 season.
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The research was commissioned by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SVPL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA), and was carried out independently by a Glasgow-based economic think tank.
The report examined the impact of football through the day-to-day economic activity of the clubs themselves and the spending of fans attending domestic league and cup matches.
It also took into account expenditure related to “international” matches – including Scotland men’s and women’s national team matches and European club competitions.
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Neil Doncaster, group chief executive of the SPFL, said the report showed the scale of football’s contribution to communities across the country.
“This new research highlights the hugely significant economic contribution made by our clubs and supporters across the country,” he said.
The study also captures the increasing economic importance of women’s football following the integration of the SVPL into the SPFL group in the 2022/23 season.
Attendance at the women’s game has been on the rise, accompanied by increased commercial investment and visibility.
Clubs also compete more regularly in European competitions.
SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster and SVPL CEO Fiona McIntyre
SVPL chief executive Fiona McIntyre said the results showed growth on the pitch matched that.
“It is extremely encouraging to see independent research clearly showing the positive economic impact of both men’s and women’s games in Scotland,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress of the women’s game, with growing attendances, increased investment and growing commercial interest helping to drive that contribution.
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The findings represent a significant increase over the Institute’s previous study focused on the SPFL, published in 2020 using data from the 2017/18 season.
It found that SPFL clubs and spectator spending contributed £444 million to Scotland’s GDP and supported around 9,300 full-time jobs.
The Scottish FA said the economic benefits identified in the report also helped to support wider social outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell (left) and Scotland manager Steve Clarke
Chief executive Ian Maxwell highlighted initiatives such as the Extra Time programme, which provides breakfast clubs and after-school sessions for children.
“As a national association, we see how this economic benefit drives social impact,” he said.
“From creating jobs to sustaining local and national businesses, football clubs and their fans have a significant positive impact across Scotland.
“This report is a great example of the game working together to strengthen the positive impact our clubs and fans are making.”
Scotland’s national sport will provide a further boost to businesses across the country when the men’s national team take part in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.