FAI And RTE Sport Announce Biggest Ever Broadcast Agreement

The Football Association of Ireland and RTÉ have announced a new two-year broadcast agreement for the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.

RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will show six games in the 2025 competition for the first time and seven fixtures in the 2026 edition.

2025's coverage will begin in the Third Round followed by two Quarter-Finals, both Semi-Finals and the Final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 9 capturing the magic of the Cup right the way through.

The 2026 competition will then see RTÉ broadcast from the Second Round all of the way to the Final including the Third Round, two Quarter-Finals, both Semi-Finals and the Final.

RTÉ cameras where there last year to see a memorable triumph when Drogheda United beat Derry City in the 2024 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Final and this year’s Second Round draw will take place on Thursday, June 5.

The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup First Round kicked off last weekend when Castlebar Celtic defeated North End United with the rest of the First Round ties to take place on the week ending 18 May.

Sean Kavanagh, Commercial Director, FAI, said: "We're delighted to announce this fantastic new broadcast agreement with RTÉ which will ensure the best ever coverage of Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup continuing their excellent coverage of domestic football. As the League of Ireland goes from strength to strength, 2025 is set to the be the biggest year ever for the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup and having coverage this year from the Third Round will help us tell the story even better with RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player television. RTÉ have a long history with the League of Ireland and Men’s FAI Cup as the Final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with the help of their coverage over the next two years. With huge crowds at the Aviva Stadium over recent years, this broadcast agreement will ensure that the magic of the Cup will continue to be compelling viewing for the Irish public over the next two years."

Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ, said: "The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season culminating in so many dramatic finals in recent seasons. The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike."

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