GAA communications director Alan Milton said it was “simply not possible” to exclusively broadcast Championship matches free-to-air and GAA+ would remain as the association’s broadcast partner in the future.
Rights to broadcast Championship matches live are shared between RTÉ, BBC and GAA+, with 40 matches available on the latter streaming service. His current contract expires at the end of the 2027 season.
The inability to broadcast all matches free-to-air has been met with some unpopularity, with all last weekend’s pitching action only available on GAA+, as well as this weekend’s high-profile football clash between Kerry and Donegal.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Milton provided an overview of the broadcasting industry and highlighted how such fascinating connections are regularly featured on streaming services.
“We understand that people feel strongly about this, but if we as an organization want to future-proof our broadcast services and make as many games available as possible, it’s just not realistic to broadcast every game for free,” he said.
“Essentially, what we’re dealing with here is 180 Championship games over 30 matchdays, so it’s going to be a mix going forward. As part of that mix, we have two free-to-air partners (RTÉ and BBC NI), but it’s not possible to broadcast every match free-to-air.”
John Mullane and Domhnall Óg Cusack have both expressed their disapproval of streaming services, with the latter comparing the GAA unfavorably to FIFA last week.
“If we needed further proof of the GAA’s continued failure at hurling, with no one paying attention to the game in Croke Park, this weekend proved it once again. The only live hurling this weekend will be behind the GAA paywall,” Mr Cusack said.
“This is a policy that uses hurling to promote profit rather than using profit to promote hurling. Please convince us otherwise,” he added.
“Soon, children in this country will be watching 104 World Cup matches for free. What they are watching is exactly what they dream of.
“Does FIFA have a better strategy and sense for growing the sport than hurling’s administrators?”
However, Milton argues that “GAA+ cannot just list games that are of mediocre interest,” and argues that there will be a clash of so-called blockbusters.
“To become a reliable broadcast platform, we need a very attractive game,” he added.
“From time to time, and depending on how the game goes and how the CCC schedules it, GAA+ will deliver a plum game. If the GAA is savvy in this matter, we need to future-proof our services. We are involved in a lot of infrastructure projects and when we reinvest 83% of the funds that come in, we have to be efficient and proactive,” he said.
“We appreciate that it can be a challenge for the older players. Now with a shorter season and more games played in two codes, it’s a difficult situation trying to provide the best coverage and we probably won’t be able to please everyone all the time.”
Annual passes to GAA+ cost €95, and Milton said: “At the moment there are no plans or any plans to increase prices,” but added: “If another media partner comes in or shows interest, things will change.”
Watch the regional hurling double-header between Dublin v Kilkenny (2pm) and Cork v Clare (4pm) on Sunday from 1.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
Saturday’s and Sunday’s matches will be available on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 9.30pm. Follow our live blog of every match on the RTÉ News app and at rte.ie/sport
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast on RTÉ Radio Player, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie.
#GAA #streaming #highly #attractive #games #important