Singapore Premier League announces $1M prize pot and new VAR technology

The Singapore Premier League (SPL) is entering its 30th year with significant structural and financial upgrades. For the 2026/27 season, the league's total prize pot will increase by 67 per cent, rising from $600,000 to $1 million. The new distribution model aims to incentivize mid-table competition, with the second runner-up seeing a boost from $100,000 to $220,000.

To improve officiating standards, the SPL has partnered with Hawk-Eye Innovations to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology across all eight clubs. This setup will include virtual offside lines and dedicated goal-line cameras. Additionally, McDonald’s will host live match screenings at 15 selected outlets across the country.

In club news, Lion City Sailors have appointed Englishman Mark Jackson as their new head coach on a contract through June 2027. Jackson joins the Singapore Premier League powerhouse following successful stints in Australia and Thailand, where he secured back-to-back trebles with the Central Coast Mariners and Buriram United.