Virgin Media Television has today announced a new four-year landmark broadcast agreement with the League of Ireland.
The agreement will see Virgin Media Television become the sole and exclusive free to air broadcaster of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.
Virgin Media Television will broadcast 36 matches with a live fixture each round of the season.
The deal has been in the ether for the last few weeks and we touched on its importance with FAI CEO David Courell at the Sport for Business Sporting Year Ahead event earlier in the month.
LOITV will remain as the streaming hub for all games not shown live and TG4 will retain its commitment to showing live metches from the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
Adding to the buzz and excitement around the League after last season, the 2025 campaign will see more live coverage of League of Ireland than ever before.
The first broadcast selections will be announced next Wednesday with the new season starting on the 14th of February.
The opening weekend will also include Bohemians playing against Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 16th.
“We are delighted to be the exclusive broadcaster of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for the next four years,” said Virgin Media Television, Director of News and Sport, Mick McCaffrey.
“Virgin Media Television is committed to the League and to delivering on the fans’ ask for more live matches.”
“For the first time ever, supporters will have free to air coverage of the biggest and best game each Friday of the season along with the goals from every other game. We are excited to bring greater exposure to the league and play our part in increasing grassroots participation in communities throughout the country.”
“We’re delighted to announce this landmark broadcast agreement for the League of Ireland with Virgin Media Television,” said FAI Commercial Director, Sean Kavanagh.
“Since our initial agreement in 2023, the partnership has grown along with the interest in the League and this new announcement will be able to help take the League of Ireland to another level.”
“Having the consistency of live broadcasts for every round will be crucial in building the level of coverage needed for the League of Ireland and we are excited to continue working with the team at Virgin Media Television who have been brilliant partners since we have started working together.”
“Along with recent partnership announcements for the League of Ireland, this new agreement shows the level of interest and excitement in the League are increasing year-on-year and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”
“This agreement represents a historic moment for the League of Ireland as Virgin Media Television’s exclusive coverage of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division will see every round of the competition covered for the first time,” added League of Ireland, Director, Mark Scanlon.
“Consistency of coverage in order to follow the stories throughout the season is something that we have always wanted in the League of Ireland and we are delighted that this partnership will ensure that the League has a presence on free to air television all year round.”
“We have been delighted to work with Virgin Media Television since they began their partnership with us in 2023 and their enthusiasm and excellent coverage has been extremely encouraging bringing new audiences to the League of Ireland.”
“We look forward to the next stage of this partnership which will help propel the League to the next level.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Great news that this deal is out in the open and the consistency of coverage will only add to the rise in visibility and excitement around the League. Who is your League of Ireland team?
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Official League Launch will take place on Wednesday 5th February.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The FAI and SSE Airtricity are two of the organisations involved in this deal that are among the 300+ full active members of the Sport for Business community. Sky Ireland are our Official Partners in Football.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
