BBC iPlayer Expands League of Ireland Coverage with Derry City Home Games Partnership

BBC iPlayer has agreed a new broadcast partnership to stream all Derry City home fixtures in the League of Ireland Premier Division through 2026. Eight remaining home games will be available on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app, while away matches continue to receive live radio commentary on BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Sounds.

Partnership Details

The arrangement marks the first time Derry City matches will be shown on BBC iPlayer. The opening fixture under the new deal takes place on Friday, 12 June, when Derry City hosts second-place Bohemians at Celtic Park at 19:45 BST. The Candystripes, currently sitting in sixth position in the table, seek their first league victory since late April.

Eric White will provide commentary for the Bohemians match alongside former Derry City striker Liam Coyle. Additional home matches scheduled for broadcast include fixtures against Drogheda United (26 June), Waterford (3 July), Sligo Rovers (7 August), Shamrock Rovers (28 August), Galway United (18 September), and St Patrick's Athletic (9 October).

Strategic Significance for Irish Football

Neil Brittain, Executive Editor of BBC Sport NI, stated that the partnership ensures fans across Northern Ireland and the wider UK can access League of Ireland content through a major platform. Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland, described the deal as an exciting development that strengthens the league's presence in the UK market while maintaining global reach through LOITV. The agreement reinforces the league's growth in audience engagement and showcases the quality of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division to international audiences.