NIFL agrees new three-year BBC Sport NI broadcast deal

NIFL says BBC coverage has helped grow the Premiership

NIFL Chief Operating Officer Steven Mills welcomed the continuation of the broadcasting partnership.

He said NIFL was delighted to extend its contract with BBC Sport NI and thanked the broadcaster for its continued commitment and investment in local football.

According to Mills, BBC coverage has played an important role in raising the profile of the Premiership, expanding its audience and supporting the league’s continued growth.

NIFL will also continue developing its own NIFL TV service.

Supporters can find NIFL news, fixtures and streaming information on the official Northern Ireland Football League website.

NIFL’s existing broadcast schedule is available through its Live TV Games section.

BBC Sport NI welcomes new three-year football agreement

Neil Brittain, Executive Editor at BBC Sport NI, said the deal was fantastic news for football supporters throughout Northern Ireland.

The agreement strengthens the BBC’s coverage of the local game, ranging from national teams to domestic league and cup competitions.

Coverage will be available through:

• BBC Sport Northern Ireland
• BBC iPlayer
• BBC Radio Ulster
• BBC Sounds

This gives supporters several ways to follow local football through live matches, radio commentary, highlights and digital coverage.

Irish Cup and Northern Ireland women included in BBC deal

The agreement also covers two significant areas administered by the Irish Football Association.

The Clearer Water Irish Cup, Northern Ireland’s flagship domestic knockout competition, will continue to receive BBC coverage.

The final will be broadcast live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, while streamed coverage will also be provided from the sixth round onwards.

Football supporters can follow the competition through the Irish FA’s official website.

The agreement also provides BBC coverage of 10 Northern Ireland senior women’s international matches.

Information about the Northern Ireland women’s team, including fixtures and results, is available from the Irish FA.

Irish FA President Colin McKendry welcomed the continued broadcasting agreement.

He said BBC coverage has helped raise the profile of both the Irish Cup and the Northern Ireland senior women’s team while allowing them to reach new audiences.

First BOYLE Sports Premiership games confirmed for BBC coverage

The first four Premiership fixtures announced for BBC Sport NI coverage are:

Friday 7 August – 7.45pm

Cliftonville v Crusaders

The North Belfast derby will open the new Premiership season and the BBC’s coverage under the new agreement.

Friday 21 August – 7.45pm

Ballymena United v Glentoran

Ballymena United welcome Glentoran to the Showgrounds for the second announced broadcast fixture.

Friday 4 September – 7.45pm

Larne v Glentoran

Larne and Glentoran meet at Inver Park in another Friday night fixture.

Friday 11 September – 7.45pm

Coleraine v Ballymena United

The first announced September broadcast schedule concludes with Coleraine against Ballymena United.

Supporters can check the latest games through the official NIFL fixture and broadcast listings.