The FAI have unveiled new broadcasting deals for the 2021 League of Ireland and Women’s National League campaigns.
WATCHLOI will return up until the mid-season break in June. The First Division and Women’s National League will be streamed by a new service, LOITV.
Supporters can subscribe to WATCHLOI to watch 62 matches for €59, with the option of paying €5 per match remaining.
As part of the broadcasting deal, RTE Sport will have their pick of the live Friday night action in the Premier Division.
RTE Sport will also cover the production costs of WATCHLOI while the profits will be shared among Premier Division clubs.
These profits are forecasted at just over €5000, the final amount will depend on subscribers.
The FAI have committed to a €55,000 marketing budget and have set a 15 per cent target for increasing sales on last year.
This comes after a disappointing year for the streaming service where 11,000 customers paid for the service with less than half purchasing the season pass.
The new streaming service, LOITV will trial artificial intelligence in the First Division and Women’s National League.
The Pixellot system uses AI with unmanned HD cameras and has also been used in Scotland. All of the women’s games will be aired for free on a new service, loitv.ie.
In an attempt to improve the service this season, co-commentators will be implemented to make up for the absence of punditry.
WATCHLOI will return with a free to air offering of the FAI President’s Cup between League holders Shamrock Rovers and FAI Cup winners Dundalk on March 12th with kick-off at 7:45 pm.
Ronan Macnamara
Image Credit: FAI