Relations between the 10 clubs and Celtic and Rangers became more strained than ever at the end of last season when the two Glasgow powers vetoed the formation of a television channel which would have been wholly-owned by all the clubs.
Rangers and Celtic have also bitterly opposed plans to change the existing 11-1 majority needed to pass SPL decision. The other clubs have been calling for an 8-4 voting system to reduce the so-called Old Firm's power.
Two-thirds of the SPL's income comes from Celtic and Rangers and without them, the remaining clubs are unlikely to survive in a league of their own.
Today's decision may speed-up moves by the Old Firm clubs to abandon the Scottish League altogether and join England's Nationwide League.
