How Hibs fans can watch the club's Scottish Premiership matches next season after SPFL announcement - Hearts wait on league decision

Hibs fans will be able to watch all their home Scottish Premiership matches next season, via a ‘virtual season ticket’.

The SPFL have revealed top-flight clubs will create the virtual brief for the 2020/21 campaign with games expected to be played behind closed doors for a sustained period.

The announcement comes following an agreement of a framework with Sky Sports for the Premiership to begin in August. A new five-year broadcasting deal starts that month with up to 48 games shown live each season.

The virtual season ticket is a contingency plan which allows fans to watch their team in action, while also contributing crucial revenue to clubs who will be without match-day income.

Due to social distancing measures, fans may not return to grounds until 2021.

Hibs have sold more than 8,000 season tickets already with those who have already purchased briefs likely granted access to HibsTV for all home matches without extra cost the Evening News understands.

Hearts have also got streaming facilities in place for next season but will have to wait to find out which division they will be playing in and when the campaign commences.

Both Edinburgh clubs made their subscription TV service available for season ticket holders following the football shutdown.

The SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports.

“This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during Season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.”

Rob Webster, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports is proud of our long-standing relationship with Scottish football and we have been committed to finding a positive solution for the SPFL and clubs. The virtual season ticket for the 2020/21 season is an innovative way to maintain the connection with fans and provide economic stability for the clubs, and we are very happy to support it.

“The new season promises to be a unique experience for the Scottish Premiership and our approach is to be as flexible and supportive of the clubs as we can be in these unique times.”

The SPFL have also confirmed that they have agreed a financial settlement with Sky Sports for games unable to be completed from the 2019/20 season. It will be spread across the broadcasting deal.