The FAI and RTÉ have announced a new two-year broadcast agreement that will see RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player provide extensive coverage of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup through 2025 and 2026.
Under the new deal, RTÉ will air six live matches from the 2025 competition, starting in the Third Round and including two Quarter-Finals, both Semi-Finals, and the Final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 9.
In 2026, coverage will increase to seven matches, beginning with the Second Round and following the competition through to the Final.
The agreement builds on RTÉ’s longstanding association with the competition, which included last year’s dramatic final where Drogheda United defeated Derry City.
The expanded level of coverage has doubtless been nudged along by Virgin Media’s deal for tge League of Ireland coverage, TG4 in the Women’s game, including the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup and Premier Sport’s partnership with LOITV.
FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh welcomed the partnership, calling it “the best ever coverage of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup,” and praised RTÉ’s role in promoting the League of Ireland: “The Final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with their coverage over the next two years.”
RTÉ’s Group Head of Sport, Declan McBennett, said: “The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike.”
The deal ensures that the momentum of the League of Ireland rolls through into the cup, a winner for all, not least Sports Direct as sponsors.
This year’s Second Round draw will take place on Thursday, June 5.
The 2025 First Round began last weekend, with Castlebar Celtic defeating North End United. The remaining First Round ties are set for the weekend ending May 18.
