BBC Sport NI has secured a new three-year broadcast agreement with the Irish FA and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), ensuring extensive free-to-air coverage of international and domestic football across BBC iPlayer, online, radio and TV.
The new deal will deliver comprehensive coverage of the local game, including continued live coverage of Northern Ireland senior women’s games, domestic cup competitions and NIFL action, making Northern Ireland football more accessible than ever for audiences.
Under the agreement, BBC Sport NI will show:
- Continued coverage of Northern Ireland Senior Women's International matches
- 30 live Boyle Sports Premiership streams
- The Clearer Water Irish Cup Final live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, plus streamed coverage of games from 5th Round to the final.
- The BetMcLean Cup Final live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer
- Live coverage of the Boyle Sports Premiership on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds
- Digital clips and highlights from NIFL and Irish Cup games across BBC platforms
This follows confirmation that BBC Sport NI will broadcast every Northern Ireland Senior Men’s International until June 2028.
That agreement and this new partnership reinforce BBC Sport NI's commitment to showcasing football at every level, providing fans with access to the biggest international fixtures, the best of the domestic game and increased visibility for the growing women's game.
BBC Sport NI will continue to offer live coverage, analysis, highlights and digital content throughout the season, helping supporters follow their teams wherever they are.
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.”
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.
“We look forward to building on that success over the next three years, alongside the continued development of NIFL TV, which has enjoyed an excellent response since its launch last season,” he added.
“Together, these platforms will ensure supporters have greater access to our competitions than ever before."
Neil Brittain, Executive Editor, BBC Sport NI said:
"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.
“Through BBC iPlayer, digital platforms, television, radio and BBC Sounds, we will continue to make local football available to the widest possible audience."
