Alex MacQuoid
A quick snapshot of the title race, betting markets heating up, and what fans need to know before the ball kicks off.
Who’s Defending the Title – Who’s the Current Champion
Celtic enter the 2025–26 Scottish Premiership as reigning champions, having secured their fourth consecutive Premiership title and a record‑tying 55th Scottish league crown at the end of the 2024/25 season. Their dominance stretches back for over a decade, interrupted only once in 2020/21 when Rangers triumphed.
Bets on the Winner of the 2025‑2026 Premiership
| Team | Odds |
| Celtic | 1.3 |
| Glasgow Rangers | 3.5 |
| Heart of Midlothian FC | 15.0 |
| Hibernian FC | 70.0 |
| Aberdeen FC | 120.0 |
| Dundee United | 250.0 |
| Kilmarnock FC | 500.0 |
| St Mirren FC | 500.0 |
| Dundee FC | 750.0 |
| Motherwell FC | 750.0 |
| Falkirk FC | 999.0 |
| Livingston FC | 999.0 |
Main Contenders for Victory
Based on those odds and insight around them: Courier sportsbook BC.Game rates Celtic strongest, then Rangers and Hearts.
- Celtic lead the market, backed by consistent titles and strong squad depth – despite some concerns over attacking reinforcements this summer.
- Glasgow Rangers under new manager Russell Martin are seen as the most likely threat if their summer signings deliver and Celtic’s form dips.
- Heart of Midlothian have drawn interest after owner Tony Bloom invested heavily and promised disruption to the Old Firm duopoly; odds around 15/1 signal hope of a serious challenge.
Also read: Premier League 2025-2026 Winner Odds: Who Will Be Crowned Champions?
Dark Horses
Keep an eye on these under‑the‑radar possibilities:
- Hibernian FC have improved steadily and could surprise if form holds consistently.
- Aberdeen FC showed promise with their recent cup win and are backed at long odds (approx. 70–120/1) to disrupt the top three.
- Clubs like Dundee United, Motherwell, even newly promoted Falkirk and Livingston carry huge outsider odds – but a surprise doesn’t seem impossible if everything clicks.
Key Dates
The 2025–26 Premiership season kicks off the weekend of 2–3 August 2025, with Celtic hosting St Mirren on August 3 and Rangers opening at Motherwell on August 2. The regular season concludes mid‑May (round 38 on May 16–17, 2026), followed by play‑offs ending around May 24.
The summer transfer window opens early from 1–10 June, closes briefly, then re‑opens 16 June to 1 September 2025 – aligned with new FIFA regulations surrounding expanded club tournaments. The winter window runs 1 January to 2 February 2026.
There will be no winter break, with games scheduled throughout late December and early January, in part to accommodate extended European competition and international qualifiers.
Smart Betting Tips
Betting should be about entertainment, not income. Never stake what you can’t afford to lose. Set a budget, stick to it, and avoid chasing losses. Value lies in smart, considered stakes – not impulsive bets. Consider splitting your budget across match markets or early outright bets, and always do your homework before placing a wager.
As the 2025–26 Scottish Premiership season approaches, Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts stand out as the most likely champions, with a handful of dark‑horse clubs offering long‑shot value. Season kicks off in early August and runs through mid‑May, with no winter rest. Betting smart and responsibly is key.
Ready to follow the action? Explore the betting markets, stay informed on transfers, and join the conversation with fellow fans. Enjoy the thrills – not the risk – and may the best team lift the trophy!