The 2025 League of Ireland season was launched today at The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin ahead of a hugely exciting new campaign across all three Divisions that is set to reach its biggest ever audience.
With attendances, broadcast audiences and digital engagement continuing to grow in 2024, the 2025 season looks set to reach even more people through new broadcast agreements, LOITV platforms and more ways of reaching new fans.
The New Elements
An exclusive Virgin Media Television agreement to show 36 games in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for the next four-years was confirmed last week.
A new TG4 deal for 14 games in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division was announced 24 hours later.
A brand-new LOITV platform in partnership with Premier Sports featuring new apps and subscription models was announced in October.
The first ever League of Ireland game at the Aviva Stadium will be held on Sunday, February 16th when Bohemians clash with Shamrock Rovers.
And the first ever official Fantasy LOI is live from today. We have entered our team and if you want to join a limited number Sport for Business league with a prize of dubious merit and value at the end of the season, do so using the code zujj6298AX
The Teams
Shelbourne will look to defend their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title having dramatically claimed it for the first time in 18 years last year.
They’ll face challenges from the likes of Shamrock Rovers, who will be buoyed from their recent European success, and a St. Patrick’s Athletic side who won nine games in a row at the end of 2024 with both looking to claim the crown.
Derry City, under the new guidance of Tiernan Lynch have their sights on a title challenge too while Cork City return to the top flight bringing us no shortage of talking points ahead of the new SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season. All ten SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division teams will be full time this year, another first for the League of Ireland.
In the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, 12 teams will now compete in the Division for the first time ever as newcomers Waterford join the likes of defending Champions Athlone Town, Shelbourne, Wexford and Galway United all looking for a big year.
As Dundalk set out for the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign for the first time since 2008, this Division is set to be hugely competitive with several sides eyeing promotion to the men’s top tier.
The Quotes
“As we approach the new League of Ireland season, we do so with a number of things to look forward to and great excitement in what promises to be a thrilling season,” said League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon.
“We all enjoyed the dramatic title races last year and we’re expecting another competitive season ahead with numerous challengers for each of the three Divisions.”
“All the storylines will reach even more people this year as we bring in new broadcast deals with Virgin Media Television, TG4, a brand new LOITV platform and increased coverage across our social media platforms meaning the League of Ireland has never been as accessible as it is now.”
“Special thanks to our long-standing partners, and title sponsor of all three Divisions, SSE Airtricity. The League of Ireland finds itself in an exciting new era and we look forward to working with all our partners and Clubs to make this the best year we’ve ever had.”
“We’re thrilled to see the return of the League of Ireland for the 2025 season.,” added Ashley Morrow, Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, at SSE Airtricity.
“As proud sponsors of the League of Ireland Men’s and Women’s Premier Divisions, and Men’s First Division, we remain committed to fostering the growth and success of Irish football. We know the League is so special because it is powered by people and that is something we will continue to champion for the season ahead.”
“To the dedicated volunteers, staff, coaches, and of course, the players. We thank you all – your relentless hard work and passion is nothing short of amazing.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
It is nearly upon us and rarely has there been such a sense of excitement about the new League season. Bring it on.
WHAT’S UP NEXT
Mark Scanlon, Ashley Morrow and Sean Kavanagh will all feature in next week’s Sport for Business Podcast looking ahead to the commercial side of the new season.
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