Neil Doncaster, the SPFL chief executive, has described Ladbrokes as the "perfect partner" for Scottish football after the betting company agreed a two-year deal to sponsor the league from next season.

The agreement, said to be "the biggest ever of its kind in Scottish football", covers all 42 clubs across the four divisions and is the first title sponsor of the top division since Clydesdale Bank ended their coverage in 2012.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ladbrokes to the SPFL's growing family of key sponsors and partners and look forward to working with them from season 2015/16 at this truly exciting time for Scottish football," said Doncaster.

"I can't go into the details of the contract due to confidentiality but I can reveal that this will be the largest single deal of its kind ever in Scottish football league history.

"As an established and respected leading brand in its very competitive marketplace, Ladbrokes is a perfect partner for the SPFL and we have a shared vision of a positive future for professional league football in Scotland. Ladbrokes' backing of Scottish football is hugely valued and appreciated and I say that not only on behalf of the SPFL but also for all 42 member clubs.

"Today's announcement is the result of significant investment of energy and effort and further strengthens our optimism about the future health of the game in Scotland.

"With all that positivity comes an opportunity to tell the story of a modern, engaging and exciting Scottish football environment and we look forward to doing just that with all our partners including new title sponsor Ladbrokes."

Doncaster explained why it had it taken so long to land a sponsor. "The issues with Scottish football over the past few years  with financial ucnertainty at certain clubs have certainly domianted the media agenda and that hasn't helped matters. But the clubs were keen to hold out for the right brand, the right company, the right deal and the right money and all those things have come together. That takes some time. We're delighted to be joining up with a company of Ladbrokes' standing, a blue-chip company and a very respected betting organisation. I don't think we could have hoped for more."

Ladbrokes already sponsor rugby league's Challenge Cup, and are heavily involved in horse racing as well.  They see Scottish football as the ideal addition to their growing portfolio.

"We love football so we are delighted to be working with the SPFL on one of the best opportunities in British sport," said CEO Jim Mullen.

"This partnership will help to propel Ladbrokes and the SPFL to new heights and will put us at the heart of Scottish football throughout the year. Getting people engaged with great sport and making sure they share our passion is at the very core of everything we are about.

"Our customers support clubs at every level of Scottish football from the professional leagues that we sponsor to the local Sunday League stalwarts. The Scottish game deserves a committed supporter and our financial backing will help to ensure every level of the game benefits from Ladbrokes' involvement."