The Northern Ireland Football League and Sky Sports have agreed a new deal that ensures Irish League games will be shown live on Sky for another three seasons.
The new contract, which will see four Danske Bank Premiership games broadcast each season, runs until the end of the 20024/25 campaign.
The BetMcLean League Cup final will also continue to be broadcast - and showcased - live across the UK and Ireland as part of the ongoing arrangement.
Gerard Lawlor, chief executive of the NI Football League, believes Sky’s continued involvement and interest in the Irish League shows how far the domestic game has “progressed in recent years”.
He said: “We sincerely thank Sky Sports for their continued backing of our game and we look forward to showcasing some of the best NI Football League matches together over the next three seasons.
“To continue to have the invaluable support of such a high-profile broadcaster shows how far our league has progressed in recent years as we bring our game to an increasing audience of loyal fans.
“The NI Football League brand is continuing to grow outside the confines of Northern Ireland, and through Sky Sports, many football fans are now becoming more familiar with the rich history of our clubs."
Sky Sports first provided a platform for the Irish League in September 2007 when they covered a dramatic 2-2 draw between Cliftonville and Linfield at a packed Solitude.
The Blues led 2-1 before Stephen O’Neill equalised with his first touch in the 82nd minute, heading a teasing Barry Johnston cross past Alan Mannus at the back post.
The next Danske Bank Premiership fixture to be shown on Sky is this evening (Monday, January 17) when Cliftonville welcome Glentoran to Solitude (7.45pm).
Gary Hughes, Director of Football at Sky Sports said: “As a long-term partner to the NI Football League, we’re delighted to extend Sky Sports’ support of the league and ensure that its entertaining action continues to be available to our customers.”
- Coverage of tonight's game between Cliftonville and Glentoran at Solitude starts at 7.40pm
