The cup, previously branded as the B&Q Centenary Cup and lately the Petrofac Training Cup, will have 54 teams playing up to seven rounds between August and March.
The expansion adds all the U20 teams from the top flight with a further from each of the Highland and Lowland leagues. But the major innovation is the inclusion of two teams from the Welsh Premier league and two from the Northern Ireland league. UEFA have given approval for this cross border competition.
Does this open the door to more mixed competitions?
The early rounds will be regionalised and seeded and BBC Alba, SC4 and pay TV provider Premier Sports will deliver live coverage of a selection of ties. Most fixtures will take place on international weekend breaks.
Will the Scottish Challenge Cup, as yet without a named sponsor, be a success? At least the SPFL can't be accused of doing nothing on this occasion. It remains to be seen if it sparks any interest.