The Scottish Premiership is Scotland’s top-tier professional football league, forming part of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) since 2013. The league comprises 12 teams, each playing 38 matches per season. The 2024–25 season concluded with Celtic securing their 13th title in 14 seasons, defeating Dundee United 5–0 to clinch the championship.

League Format & Structure

Regular Season: Each team plays 33 matches (home and away against every other team).

Split System: After 33 games, the league splits into two groups:

Championship Group: Top 6 teams compete for the title and European qualification.

Relegation Group: Bottom 6 teams battle to avoid relegation and secure survival.

Clubs in the Premiership

The league features a mix of historic giants and emerging clubs:

• Celtic – Glasgow-based club with a rich history of domestic and international success.

• Rangers – Celtic’s arch-rivals, also based in Glasgow, with a storied legacy.

• Aberdeen – A strong presence in Scottish football, consistently competing at the top.

• Hearts – Based in Edinburgh, known for passionate fan support.

• Hibernian – Also from Edinburgh, with a competitive edge in recent seasons.

• Livingston, Motherwell, Kilmarnock – Clubs with fluctuating fortunes, often challenging the established order.

League Expansion Discussions

There have been ongoing debates about expanding the Premiership to 14 or even 16 teams to enhance competitiveness and reduce fixture congestion. However, proposals to reduce the league to 10 teams have also been considered to alleviate scheduling pressures.

European Competitions

The top teams in the Championship Group qualify for European competitions, with the exact number depending on domestic cup results and UEFA coefficients. The league’s format and performance in these tournaments significantly impact Scotland’s UEFA coefficient, influencing the number of teams eligible for European competitions in future seasons.

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