The SPFL has reached agreement with Sky Sports for the introduction of virtual season tickets.
The new season is scheduled to start of August 1 but it is unlikely that fans will be permitted with a phased introduction expected over the course of the season.
Sky has the rights to screen 48 matches live, likely to include all Celtic away matches, but clubs now have permission to stream matches live to fans across the UK and Ireland.
At lunchtime today the SPFL announced:
The Scottish Premiership clubs will create a ‘virtual season ticket’ for the 2020/21 season, providing an alternative source of matchday income while social distancing measures prevent fans from attending matches. During the 2020/21 season, each Premiership club will be able to sell a package to season ticket holders to watch all home games.
From August, Sky Sports will be the only broadcaster to offer live coverage of the SPFL with 48 games available on the new home of Scottish football, as Celtic aim to make history and win a tenth consecutive title. The return of a new season in Scotland at the beginning of August would follow on from the conclusion of the English Premier League season.
The SPFL and Sky have also agreed to spread the financial settlement for the games unable to be completed in Season 2019/20 across the term of the new five-year contract, providing security and financial stability to the competition and its clubs.
Celtic fans worldwide have been able to enjoy 3pm Saturday matches live through Celtic TV with that service now able to be extended.
Traditional season tickets have been on sale since the start of March with the club now able to offer virtual season tickets that will allow streaming of all home matches.
Hacking of streaming services has been a major problem in recent times but with a legitimate club source opening up that problem will be greatly reduced.
