The SPFL have not yet set a date for the first round draw of the Ramsdens Cup as talks with the league’s only sponsor have reached an impasse.
The financial services and pawn-broking company have backed the competition for the last three seasons.
However, no deal is in place for the new campaign, which kicks off with first-round ties on July 26.
Talks over a fourth year have reached a stalemate as the competition is seen as a far different proposition to the one Ramsdens first backed in 2011.
Not only are Rangers, who lost in the final last season to Raith Rovers, in the knock-out cup next month but Hearts and Hibs will also be involved for the first time.
Ironically, Hibs never played in the Challenge Cup, as it was back in 1998-1999 when they spent a year in the First Division, as the cup was not staged due to a lack of sponsorship.
The SPFL are believed to be looking to increase the backing they receive due to the increased exposure the cup now receives or tie it in to a deal which covers sponsorship of their four leagues.
Ramsdens have not yet walked away from the competition.
However, no further talks are planned at this time, with a SPFL spokesperson saying: “The first round draw of the Challenge Cup was traditionally held at the SFL’s end of season meeting in May. There is still plenty of time for it to be held.”