RTÉ announce two-year broadcast agreement with FAI to show 13 men's FAI Cup fixtures

Drogheda’s Adam Foley lifts the FAI Cup last year. Pic: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho

RTÉ have struck a broadcast agreement with the FAI to show 13 Sports Direct FAI Cup games over the next two years. 

RTÉ2 will show six games in 2025 and seven fixtures across the 2026 competition.

The State broadcaster reacted with the cup deal after losing the right to air Premier Division fixtures to Virgin Media until 2029.

This year'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.

The 2026 competition will then see RTÉ broadcast from the second round all the way to the final.

“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," Sean Kavanagh, FAI commercial director, said.

"As the League of Ireland goes from strength to strength, 2025 is set to 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, RTÉ group head of sport, added: “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.”