The SPFL confirmed today that more than £23.7m will have been paid in total prize money to the 42 member clubs in season 2017/18. This is an increase of £800,000 on last season’s prize fund of £22.9m.

League prize money is paid in addition to parachute payments, UEFA solidarity, Betfred Cup prize and TV money, IRN-BRU Cup prize and travel money, and clubs' match accounts from cup games at neutral venues.

Neil Doncaster, the SPFL chief executive, said: “This season’s revenue distribution is the highest prize fund in the history of the Scottish game and a record windfall for all SPFL clubs.

“The SPFL is committed to continually growing our game in the financial interests of all 42 member clubs. A new and improved deal with title sponsor Ladbrokes and other commercial deals helped us to do just that.”

Ladbrokes recently extended their title sponsorship of the SPFL for a further two seasons, while Betfred will again sponsor the League Cup next season with IRN-BRU doing likewise with the Challenge Cup.

Meanwhile, an SPFL spokesman confirmed that work had begun to prepare the Ladbrokes Premiership post-split fixture schedule.

"This work will include consultations with Police Scotland and discussions with Sky Sports and BT Sport regarding live broadcast selections. It is expected that the post-split fixture schedule will be published early next week," said the spokesman.

Post-split dates for 2017/18:

Fixture round 34 - weekend of April 21/22

Fixture round 35 - weekend of April 28/29

Fixture round 36 - weekend of May 5/6

Fixture round 37 - midweek of May 8/9

Fixture round 38 - weekend of May 12/13