| Scottish League Cup (group stage) | |
| Year: | 2024–25 |
| Country: | Scotland |
| Dates: | 13 July 2024 – 28 July 2024 |
| Num Teams: | 40 |
| Matches: | 80 |
| Goals: | 269 |
| Scoring Leader: | Ben Wilson (6 goals) |
| Prev Season: | 2023–24 |
| Next Season: | 2025–26 |
The 2024–25 Scottish League Cup group stage was played from 13 July to 28 July 2024.[1] A total of 40 teams competed in the group stage. The winners of each of the eight groups as well as the three best runners-up progressed to the second round (last 16) of the 2024–25 Scottish League Cup.
The competition begins with eight groups of five teams; each team plays one match only against each other team in the group, either home or away, for a total of two home and two away matches.[2] The five clubs initially competing in the UEFA Champions League (Celtic and Rangers), Europa League (Heart of Midlothian and Kilmarnock) and Conference League (St Mirren) receive a bye to the second round. The group stage consists of 40 teams: all remaining teams that competed across the SPFL in 2023–24, the 2023–24 Highland Football League champions (Buckie Thistle) and runners-up (Brechin City), and the 2023–24 Lowland Football League champions (East Kilbride).[2]
The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the three best runners-up, progress to the second round (last 16). At this stage, the competition reverts to the traditional knock-out format. The three group winners with the highest points total and the European entrants are seeded.
The traditional point system of awarding three points for a win and one point for a draw is used. In addition, for each group stage match that finishes in a draw, a penalty shoot-out takes place, with the winner being awarded a bonus point.[3]
The draw for the group stage took place on 29 May 2024 and was broadcast live on the Premier Sports and SPFL YouTube channels.[4]
The teams are seeded according to their final league positions in 2023–24 and drawn into eight groups, with each group comprising one team from each pot.
Teams in Bold qualified for the second round.
Source:[2]