Sky secures Premier League rights for Ireland

UK pay TV leader Sky has secured 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 deal means that Sky Sports customers in Ireland will able to view live coverage of every Premier League club at least four times a season and live coverage of on Friday nights, Saturday evenings, Saturday nights for the first time, Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. Sky’s Irish customers will also be able to view Premier League coverage of online and mobile platforms.

Sky already holds rights to live coverage of the Irish football team’s European and World Cup qualifiers, international rugby union, All Ireland GAA football and hurling.

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.”