Football is worth more than £800 million to the Scottish economy

Scottish football contributes more than £800 million a year to the national economy, according to a new report.

The study by the Fraser Institute of Allander found that men’s and women’s professional football, along with national teams, generated £820m during the 2023/24 season when fan spending was included.

Without spectator-related spending, the direct economic contribution of sport was £545 million, supporting the equivalent of 9,245 full-time jobs – rising to 14,315 with matchday spending included.

Attendances at professional matches involving Scottish teams exceeded 6.8 million during the 2023/24 season.

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 Center for Economic Research.

The report examined the impact of football through the daily economic activity of the clubs themselves and the spending of fans attending local league and cup matches.

It also took into account expenses associated with ‘international’ matches, including Scotland’s men’s and women’s national team matches and European club competitions.

The researchers analyzed club accounts, revenues and operational spending, along with detailed case studies from clubs across different leagues.

This data was then fed into a wider economic model to estimate cascading impacts across sectors such as hospitality, transport and retail.

According to the results, the total turnover of the Scottish football sector during the season amounted to 426 million pounds sterling.

The industry accounts for approximately 20% of the direct gross value added (GVA) generated by the sport and leisure sector in Scotland.

SPFL Group Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said the report showed the scale of football’s contribution to communities across the country.

“This new research highlights the very significant economic contribution of our clubs and fans across the country,” he said.

The study also highlights the increasing economic importance of women’s football following the merger of the SWPL into the SPFL group in the 2022/23 season.

Attendance in women’s football has risen steadily, accompanied by increased commercial investment and visibility.

Clubs also compete more regularly in European competitions.

SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre said the results showed the growth on the pitch was being matched.

“It is very encouraging to see independent research clearly demonstrating the positive economic impact of the men’s and women’s game in Scotland,” she said.

“We are extremely proud of the progress women’s football has made, with increased attendance, increased investment and increased commercial interest helping to drive this contribution.”

The findings represent a significant increase on the institute’s previous study focusing on the SPFL, published in 2020 using data from the 2017/18 season.

This previous report found that SPFL clubs and spectator spending contributed £444 million to Scotland’s GDP and supported around 9,300 full-time equivalent jobs.

The Scottish Football Association said the economic benefits identified by the report also helped support wider social outcomes, especially in deprived communities.

CEO Ian Maxwell pointed to initiatives such as the Extra Time programme, which provides breakfast clubs, after-school care and activity sessions for children.

“As a National Association, we see how this economic benefit leads to social impact,” he said.

“From creating jobs to supporting local and national businesses, football clubs and their supporters make a huge positive impact across Scotland.

“This report is a great example of the game working together to enhance the positive impact our clubs and fans have.”

Sports Minister Mary Todd welcomed the results and said the government was keen to build on the game’s economic contribution.

“Our national sport has a positive impact across Scotland and it is very rewarding to see how it also makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy,” she said.

The announcement comes as Scottish football looks to gain more international exposure, with the men’s national team set to take part in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

While the tournament will be held abroad, organizers and companies expect travel, broadcast and fan engagement to bring additional economic benefits at home.

The Allander Institute’s Fraser said the purpose of the research was not advocacy but evidence, providing a strong basis for debate about football’s place in the Scottish economy.

Its director, Professor Mairi Spuag, said the results highlighted the impact of the game off the field.

“Football supports significant levels of economic activity and employment across the country,” she said.

“The analysis helps inform the debate about the role of professional football in the wider Scottish economy.”