Scottish Premiership

The Scottish Premiership (SPFL Premiership) is the top tier of professional football in Scotland. Established in 2013, it replaced the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and is governed by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL). The league features 12 teams that compete in a league format, with each team playing 38 matches per season—home and away against each of the other 11 teams. The competition typically runs from August to May.

Historically, the Scottish Premiership has been dominated by two clubs: Celtic and Rangers. These "Old Firm" rivals have an intense and storied rivalry, with Celtic based in Glasgow and Rangers historically the most successful Scottish club in terms of league titles. This rivalry fuels much of the passion and attention around Scottish football, with both clubs enjoying vast fan bases and significant resources compared to the rest of the league.

Aside from the Old Firm, other teams like Aberdeen, Heart of Midlothian, and Hibernian have had strong performances, occasionally breaking the dominance of the Glasgow giants. However, Celtic and Rangers consistently finish in the top positions, with both clubs competing for league titles, domestic cups, and European spots.

The league operates on a points system, with three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The team finishing first at the end of the season is crowned the champion, while the bottom team faces relegation to the Championship, the second tier of Scottish football.

The Scottish Premiership is known for its passionate fan base, competitive atmosphere, and its contribution to the development of football in Scotland. Despite financial disparities, it remains one of the most-watched leagues in the UK.