BBC Sport NI has agreed a new three-year broadcast deal with the Irish FA and Northern Ireland Football League to ensure the continuation of extensive free-to-air coverage of international and domestic football across BBC iPlayer, online, radio and TV.
The new deal means BBC Sport NI will show 30 live Boyle Sports Premiership streams per season – starting with Friday night’s north Belfast derby between Cliftonville and Crusaders – as well as 10 senior Women’s Northern Ireland international matches and action from domestic cup competitions.
Finals of the Clearer Water Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup will be shown live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, as well as streamed coverage of games in the former competition from the fifth round onwards.
Live coverage of the Irish Premiership will also continue on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds, while highlights from NIFL and Irish Cup games will be available across BBC platforms.
This follows confirmation that BBC Sport NI will broadcast every Northern Ireland senior men’s international until June 2028.
“This new agreement strengthens our longstanding commitment to bringing audiences the very best coverage of the game in Northern Ireland, from national teams to domestic league and cup competitions,” said Neil Brittain, the executive editor of BBC Sport NI.
“Through BBC iPlayer, digital platforms, television, radio and BBC Sounds, we will continue to make local football available to the widest possible audience.”
Steven Mills, NIFL Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are delighted to extend our contract with BBC Sport NI and sincerely thank them for their continued commitment and significant investment in our game.
“Their coverage has played a major role in raising the profile of the Premiership, increasing its reach and supporting the continued growth of the league.”
Colin McKendry, Irish Football Association President said: “We are delighted that the Clearer Water Irish Cup, our flagship domestic cup competition, and Northern Ireland senior women’s international matches will continue to be showcased on BBC Sport NI.
“Their coverage has played a significant role in raising their profile reaching new audiences and inspiring more people to engage with football across Northern Ireland.
“Alongside them and our partners at NIFL, this agreement will ensure supporters have even more opportunities to watch, follow and enjoy the game, while helping to grow the sport at every level.”
