Sky Sports has been awarded the rights to show 128 Premier League games a season exclusively live in the Republic of Ireland from 2019.
Under the terms of the new agreement, which mirrors Sky’s UK rights deal signed in February and runs until 2022, Sky Sports will show every first-pick weekend match and Saturday evening fixtures for the first time.
The four packs of live rights for ROI means viewers can follow more of the best matches from the Premier League for at least another three seasons on dedicated channel Sky Sports Premier League. The channel offers award-winning analysis and insight from some of the biggest names in football as well as programmes such as Gillette Soccer Saturday, Goals on Sunday and The Debate.
Under the new deal, Sky Sports customers in Ireland can enjoy:
> More of the best matches, in the best slots, with every weekend first pick
> Live coverage of every Premier League club at least four times a season
> Live coverage on Friday nights, Saturday evenings, Saturday nights (for the first time), Sunday afternoons and Monday nights
> Rights to offer live coverage across a range of platforms, including online and mobile
JD Buckley, Managing Director, Sky Ireland, said: “This is great news for Sky Sports customers. Under the new agreement, viewers will be able to enjoy more of the biggest matches, including the key head to head fixtures in the best slots, alongside analysis from some of the biggest names in football. With fixtures spread right across the weekend, and with Saturday night kick-offs for the first time, our viewers will have more choice than ever before.”
Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said: “Sky Sports is a fantastic long-term partner for the Premier League and we are extremely pleased they will broadcast the competition across Ireland. They are renowned for their excellent live match programming, and for reaching fans through their many platforms and outlets. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the seasons ahead.”
The agreement strengthens Sky’s position as the home of sport in Ireland, with ten dedicated channels offering live coverage of Ireland football’s European and World Cup qualifiers, international rugby union, All Ireland GAA football and hurling. Sky Sports also offers live Premier League, EFL, Scottish Football, exclusive coverage of Formula 1 from 2019 to 2024, international cricket and much more.