The NI Football League has announced a new agreement with Sky Sports which will see five Danske Bank Premiership fixtures and the NIFL League Cup Final shown live this season and in each of the next five seasons on Sky Sports.
The live broadcast agreement, which runs until the end of the 2021/22 season, kicks off this month with a double-header of two games in two days live on Sky Sports. This will be followed by further games in March and April.
The Sky Sports cameras will be in place at Solitude this Friday as Cliftonville host Glentoran in the Danske Bank Premiership (7.45pm), before making the short journey across north Belfast for the NI League Cup Final the next day between Ballymena United and Carrick Rangers at Seaview (5.30pm).
NIFL Managing Director, Andrew Johnston, is excited about the new long-term agreement.
“This is fantastic news for fans of Irish League football and I am delighted that the Danske Bank Premiership and the NI League Cup Final will be back on Sky Sports,” said Johnston.
“The coverage that Sky provide is fantastic, it is a fantastic platform to promote our league, our clubs and our players to a wider audience of football fans across the UK and around the world.
"I would like to place on record our appreciation for the assistance provided by the Irish FA and UEFA in developing this agreement.
“Since the formation of the NIFL we have worked hard with our clubs, sponsors and media partners to develop and enhance the competitive structure and excitement of the League and I believe that Sky Sports customers will enjoy the passion, honesty and commitment of our clubs.
"Having averaged more than three goals per game to date this season I believe viewers will not be left disappointed,” Johnston added.