Scottish Football Fuels Economy, Contributes £820 Million Annually

Scottish football has emerged as a significant economic force, contributing over £820 million to the national economy during the 2023/24 season, according to a comprehensive report by the Fraser of Allander Institute. This figure includes the spending of fans attending matches, which highlights the sport’s impact on the country’s financial landscape. Without accounting for spectator-related expenditure, the direct economic contribution of football stands at £545 million, supporting approximately 9,245 full-time jobs. This number rises to 14,315 when matchday spending is factored in.

Report Highlights Economic Impact of Football

The research, commissioned by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), and the Scottish Football Association (SFA), provides an in-depth analysis of the financial influence football has through daily economic activities. The study examined various facets of the sport, including club revenues, operational spending, and the economic ripple effects across sectors like hospitality and retail due to football activities.

Attendance figures during the season reached an impressive 6.8 million for matches involving Scottish teams. The total turnover of the football sector was estimated at £426 million, representing roughly 20% of the direct gross value added (GVA) generated by Scotland’s sports and recreation sector.

Neil Doncaster, group chief executive of the SPFL, emphasized the extensive economic significance of football clubs and their supporters. He stated, “This new research underlines the hugely significant economic contribution of our clubs and fans right across the country.”

Women’s Football Gains Momentum

The report also highlights the growing economic significance of women’s football, particularly following the integration of the SWPL into the SPFL Group in the 2022/23 season. Women’s match attendance has been steadily rising, accompanied by increased commercial investment and visibility. Fiona McIntyre, managing director of the SWPL, expressed optimism about the future, noting, “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.”

The findings mark a substantial increase from a previous study conducted by the Fraser of Allander Institute in 2020, which reported that SPFL clubs and spectator spending contributed £444 million to Scotland’s GDP and supported around 9,300 full-time equivalent jobs.

The Scottish FA highlighted that the economic advantages identified in the report also correlate with broader social outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Chief executive Ian Maxwell pointed to initiatives such as the Extra Time programme, which provides essential services like breakfast clubs and after-school care for children. “Football clubs and their supporters have a significant positive impact across Scotland,” he stated, reinforcing the sport’s role in job creation and local business sustainability.

Sports minister Maree Todd welcomed the findings and indicated the government’s intent to further leverage football’s economic contributions. “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 remarked.

As Scottish football looks toward future opportunities, including the men’s national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there is anticipation of additional economic benefits. Although the tournament will be held overseas, experts expect that associated travel, broadcasting, and fan engagement will further bolster Scotland’s economy.

Prof. Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, concluded that the research serves as a vital evidence base for discussions regarding football’s role in the broader Scottish economy. “Football supports substantial levels of economic activity and employment across the country,” she said, emphasizing the sport’s influence beyond mere entertainment.