American football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, will have their preseason games streamed by the Irish streaming service, GAAGO, this year.
The partnership was confirmed on Thursday by the Head of GAAGO, Noel Quinn. Quinn affirmed the news by saying, "We are excited to bring the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason games to audiences on the island of Ireland and to add to the rich array of content available through GAAGO. Fans who have never used the platform before can simply sign up and stream these games."
The Steelers will play three games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons before the new NFL season starts on September 7th. The Steelers' preseason games will be free to watch on the GAAGO service.
First of 3 this Friday at midnight. https://t.co/3Y2JZ8r5ns
— GAAGO (@GAAGO) August 9, 2023
This new venture is part of the NFL's "Global Markets Program." The new initiative is seen as a move to expand the NFL brand and activities in countries like Ireland and France.
GAAGO has come under fire this year for its lack of coverage regarding certain GAA games in Ireland, and this move to broadcast NFL games has been received with mixed reviews from people in Ireland.
"Not sure the GAA/RTÉ broadcasting American football games for free on the platform that put major championship games behind a paywall is going to go down well," said one Twitter user.
While another said, "Finally, some good news for GAAGO users... NFL preseason games for free. Not sure, though, if 'Mary from Dungloe' or 'Tom from Ahascragh' are bothered."
Pittsburgh Steelers' Fixtures:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 12 at midnight, Irish time.
- Buffalo Bills on August 19 at 11:30 pm Irish time.
- Atlanta Falcons on August 25 at 12:30 am Irish time.
