Councillors Call for All GAA Championship Games to be Free-to-Air in 2027

Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly has asked councillors in all 31 local authorities to pass motions demanding that all inter-county senior football and hurling games be broadcast free-to-air by 2027. This effort targets the GAA+ subscription paywall to ensure wider access for children and longtime members as the current broadcasting deal nears its end.

Senator Kennelly wrote to Fine Gael whips urging local representatives to table motions stating that all 2027 championship games should be available on free-to-air TV or other online streaming platforms. He argues that locking games behind a paywall deprives children of seeing their heroes and prevents longtime members from enjoying the sport.

The push for change follows an emergency motion recently passed by Kerry County Council. That motion urged Croke Park to remove paywalls for all inter-county championship matches.

Why are local authorities calling for free-to-air GAA games?

Advocates argue the current subscription model is unsustainable. Senator Kennelly stated there is a need for leadership and consistency across local authorities to ensure everyone can watch their county team compete.

Sinn Fein’s Louth TD Joanna Byrne expressed concern that the GAA+ platform poses difficulties for elderly people. Similarly, Fianna Fáil Kerry TD Michael Cahill previously called for a dedicated free-to-air sports channel to improve access. Cahill noted that only one of the All-Ireland champions Kerry’s matches were available free-to-air this summer.

Did You Know? To address accessibility, GAA President Jarlath Burns stated the organization has provided 5,000 hospital passes and 30,000 nursing home passes for the GAA+ service.

How does the GAA justify the GAA+ subscription model?

GAA President Jarlath Burns told the Oireachtas Sports Committee that 90% of games, or roughly 300 matches annually, are already shown free-to-air. He noted that a GAA+ subscription costs €85 for a member and provides access to 180 games over 30 championship match days.

Croke Park has stated that revenue from the streaming service is vital for reinvesting into the games. The platform has also expanded its content to include preview and review programs, which Burns noted had not been offered by terrestrial stations for several years.

Alan Milton, the GAA’s Director of Communications, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that an exclusively free-to-air model is “simply not possible.” Milton argued that a subscription element is necessary to future-proof the broadcast offering.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the conflict centers on a fundamental trade-off between financial sustainability and traditional accessibility. While Croke Park relies on GAA+ revenue for reinvestment, the political pressure from local authorities suggests a growing perception that the cultural value of the games outweighs the subscription income.

What could happen to broadcasting rights in 2027?

The current rights deal, shared between RTÉ, BBC, and GAA+, expires at the end of the 2027 season. This timeline suggests that new negotiations may begin soon to determine the balance of free-to-air and subscription content.

RTÉ, GAA+ and the free-to-air debate around Gaelic games

A change in leadership may also influence the outcome. Wexford’s Derek Kent is set to succeed Jarlath Burns as GAA president in the new year. Senator Kennelly has urged the GAA and broadcasters to work together this autumn and winter to reach a “fair compromise” for 2027.

Depending on the outcome of these talks, the GAA could either maintain the current hybrid model or move toward the broader free-to-air access requested by local councillors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a GAA+ subscription for a member?
A subscription to GAA+ costs €85 for a member, according to GAA President Jarlath Burns.

Which games are currently on the GAA+ platform?
Two All-Ireland football quarter-finals, Cork versus Mayo and Tyrone versus Kerry, are on the GAA+ platform.

When does the current broadcasting deal expire?
The current deal expires at the end of the 2027 season.

Should championship sports be accessible to all via free-to-air television, or is a subscription model necessary for the growth of the game?