The assessment from the respected Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde underlines the growing contribution of our national sport and its clubs to the Scottish economy.

The research project – commissioned by the SPFL, SWPL and Scottish FA – found the Scottish football sector contributed £545m in gross value added (GVA) and supported 9,245 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs throughout the Scottish economy as part of the Institute’s assessment of the 2023/24 season.

And that rose to £820m GVA and 14,315 FTE jobs after including fan spend related to matches across the country.

This latest study also found that:

• The total turnover of the Scottish football sector was £426m.
• The industry accounts for 20% of direct sports and recreation sector GVA in Scotland.
• Attendances topped 6.8m at professional football matches involving a Scottish team in season 2023/24.

The research project was launched in 2025 to examine the contribution of the professional men’s and women’s game and the Scottish national teams to the Scottish economy.

The research examined the contribution through three channels – the economic footprint of the SPFL and SWPL clubs themselves, the economic boost from fans attending matches in the SPFL and SWPL league and cup competitions, and from fans attending “international” matches – whether that was the men’s or women’s Scotland national team or an SPFL or SWPL club in European competition.

The Fraser of Allander Institute examined information on clubs’ economic activities including their revenues and day-to-day spending. Data was taken from club accounts and detailed research on a select number of SPFL and SWPL clubs across the leagues.

The Fraser of Allander Institute then used a detailed economic model to capture the direct impact of club and spectator activities and the wider spill-over effects on the Scottish economy.

This research builds on a previous SPFL specific study carried out by the Institute, published in 2020 on 2017/18 season data, which found that SPFL clubs’ activities, plus all spending by spectators at SPFL matches, contributed a gross figure of £444m to Scotland’s GDP and helped to support around 9,300 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “This new research underlines the hugely significant economic contribution of our clubs and fans right across the country.

“It’s enormously promising to see such strong growth from the last SPFL-specific study we launched in 2020. It’s clear our member clubs and supporters, who attend matches in greater number per capita than anywhere else in Europe, bring huge benefits to businesses throughout Scotland.

“The Fraser of Allander Institute is widely respected for its rigorous analysis, and this latest report further reinforces the crucial importance of Scottish football to our wider national economy.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, said: “The power of Scottish football cannot be underestimated, and it is encouraging to see the huge economic benefits the national game brings to the nation as a whole and in communities across the country.

“From job creation to sustaining local and national businesses football clubs and their supporters being a significant positive impact to Scotland.

“As the national association, we see how this economic benefit drives social impact, exemplified by recent Scottish Government funding to expand Extra Time, providing breakfast and after-school clubs for children in areas of greatest need and giving parents opportunities to study, train, or work.

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

Fiona McIntyre, SWPL managing director, said: “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.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress of the women’s game since the SWPL joined the SPFL Group in 2022/23, with growing attendances, increased investment and rising commercial interest helping to drive that contribution.

“This report reinforces that the women’s game is not only growing on the pitch but playing an increasingly important role in Scotland’s sporting and economic landscape.”

Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “This report highlights the significant and wide-ranging impact of Scottish professional football on the Scottish economy. Beyond activity on the pitch, the sport supports substantial levels of economic activity and employment across the country. The analysis helps to inform discussion about the role of professional football within the wider Scottish economy.”

Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “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. We are keen to continue working with football authorities and clubs to grow the sport and I will be having further discussions with them next month.” 

This announcement comes as Scotland’s national sport gets set to provide a further boost to businesses across the country when the men’s national team takes part in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.