Skip to main content
Loading…

Chamber and committees

Recognising the Economic Contribution of Scottish Professional Football

  • Submitted by: Fulton MacGregor, Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-20504

That the Parliament welcomes new independent academic research from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, which calculates that Scottish football contributes £820 million in gross value added to Scotland's economy and supports 14,315 full-time equivalent jobs; notes that the research, which was commissioned by the SPFL, SWPL and the SFA, highlights the combined economic impact of professional men’s and women’s club football, international matches and supporter-related spending during the 2023–24 season; recognises that the Scottish football sector accounts for around 20% of the direct sports and recreation sector’s gross value added in Scotland, with attendances exceeding 6.8 million across professional matches involving Scottish teams; acknowledges what it sees as the vital role played by football clubs and their supporters in sustaining their local economies, supporting employment and driving community regeneration across Scotland; welcomes the report’s recognition of the growing contribution of the women’s game, reflecting increased participation, attendances and investment, and commends the work of the football authorities, clubs, supporters and volunteers for their ongoing contribution, not only to Scotland’s sporting success, but also to its wider economic and social wellbeing.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Bob Doris, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Clare Haughey, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Liam McArthur, Paul McLennan, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Annie Wells, Elena Whitham, Brian Whittle