The Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team has named Sky as its new primary partner.
The deal – which also sees the British broadcaster extend its primary partnership with the Women’s National Team – will involve Sky supporting the squads through four major tournament campaigns until 2028.
These include the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA EURO in 2028.
FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, described Sky as having been a ‘fantastic partner’ to the FAI for a number of years.
He said: “Their groundbreaking partnership with our Women’s National Team has been a great success and they have helped to drive phenomenal growth in women and girl’s football in Ireland.
“We are now delighted they have decided to extend this support to our Men’s National Team, which recognises the exciting place the team finds itself in, ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign, the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, of course, Ireland hosting UEFA EURO 2028. We are privileged to have Sky with us on that journey.”
Meanwhile, the CEO also praised Sky for its position in sport and football, also emphasising how the company is committed to working with the FAI to proactively promote both of its senior teams over the coming years.
“Over the past two and a half years, we have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with our Women’s National Team,” added Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley. “We are thrilled and proud to announce the extension of that partnership and our brand-new Primary Partnership with the Men’s National Team.
“In recent years, we have seen unprecedented growth in women’s football in Ireland with multiple milestones passed by our Women’s National Team.
“Attendance records have been broken, television viewing figures have increased, the team played at the Aviva Stadium for the first time in front of nearly 38,000 fans and, of course, they achieved World Cup qualification for the first time ever.
“From day-one of our Women’s National Team partnership, our key ambition has been to give them a platform to inspire younger generations to play the game, stay in the game and support the game.
“As Primary Partner across both teams for the next four years, we now have the opportunity to build on what we have achieved, support our national teams and work with the FAI to ensure future opportunities for young players.”
The Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team, under new interim Head Coach, John O’Shea, is set to take on Belgium at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.
On the new deal, O’Shea, concluded: “Sky have proved themselves as a fantastic and meaningful Primary Partner.
“Their support for the WNT and the exposure they created for women’s football has been unmatched. We are excited to welcome Sky to the men’s team, as we prepare to kick off our 2024 fixtures this week.”
