IT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED TODAY that RTE have snapped up the broadcast rights to show more Gaelic games for the next five years.
This comes after Sky announced it would be pulling out of the deal earlier in the week.
It was reported on Monday that other major broadcasters like BT Sports, the BBC and others could look to snap up the games, but it's now been announced that RTE will have full coverage of the games.
The BBC has retained its Ulster SFC rights. The English broadcaster will also simulcast with RTÉ the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals in addition to broadcasting at least one of the finals on the wider BBC TV network annually.
The new broadcast deal will run from 2023 to 2027.
In the package, 31 GAA championship games, the Joe McDonagh Cup final, both Tailteann Cup semi-finals, the final, the Allianz National League games, and AIB Club Championships will also be part of the new deal
The Sunday Game will also get a second highlights programme
At least nine live camogie games will also be shown throughout the contract
The GAA is pleased to announce its live, highlights and on-demand media rights arrangements for the next five years (2023-27 seasons inclusive) after the conclusion of negotiations with its television, streaming and radio partners in recent weeks — The GAA (@officialgaa) October 25, 2022
"With more live games now available than ever before on RTÉ combined with extensive radio, digital and highlights rights, this agreement with the GAA represents an enormous step forward in coverage for our national games," RTÉ Head of Sport , Declan McBennett said.
"Public service broadcasters are at the very heart of the coverage, and this is ultimately for the benefit of the audience. We view this as a hugely significant deal and a core part of our ongoing effort to bring live sport direct to our audience."
RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes added: "Irish audiences love live sport so we are delighted to have negotiated our biggest ever agreement with the GAA that will see RTÉ bring Irish sports fans more live GAA games, and more camogie coverage, across the season across RTÉ television, radio and online over the next five years," she said.
This all comes after Sky pulled their existing deal with the GAA.
According to reports on Monday the GAA were wanted to another five years of coverage at least and were also keen on showing 32 games in 2023 including Allianz National Leagues fixtures.
They also wanted to broadcast up to 16 championship games. but no agreement could be made on a new deal.
As a result, the partnership has now been ended by "mutual agreement'
A statement from Sky read "Despite our participation in the broadcast rights bidding process, lengthy negotiations and a strong willingness on both sides to continue our partnership, Sky and the GAA have been unable to reach a renewal agreement,” said Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley.
“A factor in this decision has been the new shortened GAA season and its knock-on impact on the number of games Sky Sports wanted to broadcast.
“We came on board as official GAA broadcast partner in 2014 and since then, we have made significant investments in GAA – from grassroots initiatives and youth forums; to marketing initiatives and our sponsorship of the annual GAA Development Conference. During that time, our broadcast partnership also brought GAA to new and international audiences, driving growth in support.
“Over the past eight years, Sky Sports GAA raised the bar by delivering modern, alternative coverage and analysis of the GAA Championships, giving viewers greater choice.
"Our coverage was made possible by exceptionally talented and professional people, both in front of and behind the camera. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their outstanding contributions.
“I would also like to thank Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Larry McCarthy, GAA Commercial Director, Peter McKenna, and the wider GAA team for their support, throughout our partnership. Both parties are committed to identifying potential future partnership opportunities.”
Despite our participation in the broadcast rights bidding process, lengthy negotiations and a strong willingness on both sides to continue our partnership, Sky and the GAA have been unable to reach a renewal agreement,” said Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley. https://t.co/pg0dfVQ5BI — The Irish Post (@theirishpost) October 25, 2022
