[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.
[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.
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.
Brechin City Source:[2] All times are BST (UTC +1).