Although Celtic and Rangers won’t be threatened by the new environment in Scottish football, others are having problems.

Celtic and Rangers Unshaken Amid Changing Scottish Football Landscape—But Trouble Brews for Others

As Scottish football undergoes a noticeable shift in its competitive and financial environment, the country’s two dominant forces—Celtic and Rangers—appear to be standing strong. However, the same cannot be said for several other clubs across the Premiership and lower divisions, who are starting to feel the weight of new pressures and challenges.

Old Firm Stability in Uncertain Times

Despite the evolving dynamics—rising wage demands, transfer market inflation, and the growing pull of English and European leagues—the Old Firm duo continue to operate from a position of strength. Both clubs boast sizeable fan bases, steady revenue streams from European competition, and major commercial backing. The recent arrival of new investment at Rangers through the 49ers Enterprises group, and Celtic’s strong balance sheet and regular Champions League participation, have helped cushion them from the turbulence facing others.

Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, have continued to build on a foundation of domestic dominance, while Rangers—now under Russell Martin—have shown ambition in the transfer market and infrastructural development. Both clubs appear well-equipped to navigate any changes in the Scottish football ecosystem.

A Growing Gap Beneath the Top Two

While the Glasgow giants remain stable, the new environment is proving far more challenging for other Scottish clubs. Teams such as Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, and Motherwell are increasingly feeling the pressure to keep up both financially and competitively.

TV revenue remains heavily skewed toward the top clubs, and many teams are reliant on player sales or cup runs to balance their books. The introduction of stricter UEFA Financial Fair Play rules and new post-Brexit transfer restrictions has also limited the pool of affordable, high-quality foreign players available to smaller Scottish clubs. Additionally, talent developed in the domestic game is being picked off earlier than ever by clubs in England and mainland Europe.

Financial Struggles and Player Exodus

Some clubs are already facing significant financial hurdles. Several Premiership and Championship sides have had to reduce squad sizes, delay infrastructure projects, or lean more heavily on youth development. At the same time, the lure of bigger wages abroad or in England has led to a talent drain. Promising players are leaving before they fully develop, making it harder for clubs to build cohesive, competitive teams.

This environment has made it increasingly difficult for clubs outside the Old Firm to break through domestically or make meaningful progress in Europe. Even those with passionate fan bases and ambitious leadership often find themselves unable to bridge the growing resource gap.

Calls for Reform and Support

The current climate has sparked renewed calls for reform within Scottish football. Some club executives and pundits have urged the SPFL and SFA to explore revenue-sharing models, increased support for youth academies, and more equitable broadcasting deals.

There is also a push for creative thinking around how to increase the league’s competitiveness and global appeal—something many believe could benefit the entire pyramid, not just the two clubs in Glasgow.

Outlook: Two-Speed System Developing

If current trends continue, Scottish football risks becoming even more polarized. Celtic and Rangers will remain the dominant forces, able to invest, grow, and compete in Europe, while the rest of the league may struggle to stay afloat or keep pace. Without intervention or innovation, the gap could widen further, creating a two-tier system within the top flight and damaging the health of the national game.

For now, the Old Firm are thriving—but the broader question facing Scottish football is whether the rest can keep up.