Football

Geo-blocking finally over as GAAGO prepare to announce improved championship streaming schedule

GAAGO will announce its new Championship fixtures schedule today, which will also see the end of geo-blocking of games in the north
GAAGO will announce its new Championship fixtures schedule today, which will also see the end of geo-blocking of games in the north GAAGO will announce its new Championship fixtures schedule today, which will also see the end of geo-blocking of games in the north

GEO-BLOCKING in the north will be officially over as the GAA announces its GAAGO championship schedule this morning.

With Sky Sports no longer broadcasting GAA games, armchair fans in the six counties won't be inconvenienced by games being blocked out.

GAAGO, of which RTE has a 50 per cent stake in, is expected to exclusively 'live' stream around 20 hurling and football championship games in 2023.

There will be a serious upgrade in the GAAGO services too with presenters, pundits and analysts now part of their broadcasting package going forward rather than simply match coverage.

The GAA’s improved streaming service effectively replaces Sky’s ‘live’ package, with their games being shown on Saturdays.

In October, Sky Sports pulled the plug on their nine-year association with the GAA, citing the condensed inter-county season as one of the main reasons for ending its broadcasting deal, although their viewing figures were consistently disappointing.

While GAAGO is a subscription streaming channel, it is understood the new charges - to be unveiled today - will be very reasonably priced and will be available in the 32 counties, not just the 26, as well as internationally.

With Sky Sports no longer a commercial player in the GAA market, BBCNI has also been able to expand its Championship coverage over the next five years, including screening the All-Ireland football and hurling finals rather than just the Ulster Championship.

With pay-per-view channel Eir Sport also walking away from GAA broadcasting, TG4 has moved into the Allianz NFL/NHL market alongside RTE and will share around 16 League games, beginning in January. TG4 will televise Saturday games and RTE Sunday matches during the National League.

RTE’s television coverage of Gaelic Games will also see significant improvements next season, with a midweek highlights programme complementing The Sunday Game and their ‘live’ Championship games going northwards of its regular tally of 31.