Much-loved Tennent's Sixes to make Scottish football return - with one major twist

The much-loved Scottish football staple of the 80s and 90s will return this autumn with the official backing of the SPFL.

The original Tennent's Sixes, which ran annually from 1984 to 1993, featured active first-team players and was fiercely competitive.

The new format will see players from the recent past take part in a legends version of the small-sided indoor tournament, wearing the official club kits of the current season.

All 12 Premiership teams have signed up to take part with the event taking place across the weekend of October 3 and 4 at Braehead Arena in Glasgow. The action will be shown live on Premier Sports.

Saturday group stages will kick things off with three regionalised groups of four, with each group winner and runner-up progressing to the knockout stages, along with the two best third-placed teams.

Every game will have a winner with a bonus point for a penalty shootout victory in the event of a draw. The sin bin will also be making a comeback and organisers hope it will capture the imagination of football fans and families alike.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “The Tennent’s Sixes has a special place in the hearts and minds of a generation of football fans and we are absolutely thrilled to get the band back together again with the official endorsement of the SPFL.

“There are many unofficial Masters events but only one SPFL Tennent’s Sixes: the original and best and one we are proud to put our name to, with the support and involvement of all 12 William Hill Premiership clubs.”

No individual team dominated the event over its previous history with Aberdeen, Hearts and Rangers all winning the tournament twice each. Partick Thistle were the last winners in 1993 and still have the cup displayed in the Firhill trophy cabinet to this day.

Russell Smith, Braehead Arena Chief Executive, said: “When we first floated the idea, the excitement and enthusiasm from everyone showed that it is a format that will absolutely resonate in 2026. A look on social media shows there remains a dedicated fanbase, channels and endless video footage of great goals from the tournament back in the day. We look forward to creating memories for new generations of football fans.

“That the original sponsor, Tennent’s, shared our enthusiasm is fantastic and we can’t wait to announce the fixtures, managers and star players in the coming days and weeks.”

Hazel Alexander, Senior Brand Manager at Tennent’s, added: “The return of the Tennent’s Sixes is sure to capture the imagination of football fans, with the original tournament continuing to live in Scottish football folklore. We’ve already had a fantastic summer of football, and the stage is set for a new tranche of memories to be made, with the chance to reminisce about the tournament of old, but also to celebrate some legends of the game as they make their return to the pitch.”