BBC Sport NI agrees 3-year deal covering 30 Premiership streams, cup finals and NI women’s internationals

BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane and Nicola McCarthy

Football fans across Northern Ireland will continue to get extensive free-to-air access to the local game after the BBC agreed a new three-year broadcast deal covering Premiership matches, cup competitions and Northern Ireland senior women’s internationals.

The agreement between BBC Sport NI, the Irish FA and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) will include 30 live BoyleSports Premiership streams, both major domestic cup finals on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, and continued coverage of the senior women’s international team.

It comes alongside a separate agreement already confirmed by the BBC to broadcast every Northern Ireland senior men’s international until June 2028, giving supporters extensive access to both international and domestic football without a subscription.

30 Premiership games to be streamed live

Under the new three-year agreement, BBC Sport NI will stream 30 live BoyleSports Premiership matches, while BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds will continue to provide live coverage of the league.

Fans will also be able to watch digital clips and highlights from NIFL and Irish Cup fixtures across BBC platforms.

The deal maintains a significant free-to-air outlet for the domestic game at a time when streaming is becoming an increasingly important part of how supporters follow their clubs.

NIFL Chief Operations Officer Steven Mills said the BBC’s coverage had helped increase the reach of the Premiership.

“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.

“Together, these platforms will ensure supporters have greater access to our competitions than ever before.”

Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup finals stay on BBC television

(L-R): Harry Lynch, Bangor, BBC Sport NI’s Nicola McCarthy, Colin McKendry, IFA President, Aaron Reid, Crusaders, BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane, Angela Platt, IFA Director of Women’s Football and Matthew Fitzpatrick, Linfield

The Clearer Water Irish Cup Final will continue to be shown live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, with streamed coverage of the competition running from the fifth round through to the final.

The BetMcLean Cup Final will also be broadcast live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer.

For supporters, it means two of the biggest dates in the domestic football calendar will remain freely available to watch.

Irish Football Association President Colin McKendry welcomed the continued exposure for both the Irish Cup and the senior women’s international side.

“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.”

Northern Ireland women’s internationals remain part of coverage

Continued live coverage of Northern Ireland senior women’s international matches forms another key part of the agreement, maintaining a major broadcast platform for the women’s national team.

Combined with the BBC’s existing rights for the senior men’s internationals until June 2028, the arrangements mean supporters will be able to follow Northern Ireland’s national sides alongside a substantial schedule of Premiership and domestic cup football.

Neil Brittain, Executive Editor of BBC Sport NI, said the agreement strengthened the broadcaster’s commitment to the local game.

“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.”

The three-year deal means supporters can now expect the BBC’s extensive coverage of Northern Ireland’s domestic game to continue across television, streaming, radio and digital platforms, while NIFL TV will operate alongside it as the league develops its own streaming service.