BBC Sport NI will show home Northern Ireland women’s internationals until 2026 in a new five-year broadcast agreement with the Irish FA.
The agreement will see every home game for Kenny Shiels’ side live streamed on BBC iPlayer. Northern Ireland’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifier against England on 8 April next year will also be shown live on BBC network and BBC Two NI.
BBC Sport NI will live-stream Northern Ireland’s Women’s World Cup qualifier against Austria this evening (26 October – kick-off 7.00). Thomas Kane is on commentary with former Northern Ireland international Gail Redmond providing analysis. There will also be pre-match news and post-match reaction across TV, radio and online.
Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan told irishfa.com: “This partnership with the BBC means more visibility and connection with fans of all ages right across the country. Having our games broadcast live on a regular basis shows just how far the women’s game has come.”
Neil Brittain, Executive Editor of BBC Sport NI, said: “This is a really exciting time to be extending our partnership with the Northern Ireland women’s international team.
“With the Euros just a few months away, and a strong start to World Cup qualification already achieved, this is a group of players that is bringing pride to football fans across Northern Ireland. We look forward to bringing these matches free to audiences and to telling the story of this team next summer and for the next five years.”
Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Kenny Shiels said: “I am so proud to lead this group of players.
“They are role models to every young girl in Northern Ireland and I am delighted that this deal with the BBC will allow many more people in homes across the country to follow their impressive achievements.”
And Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson added: “There has never been a better time to be involved in women’s and girls’ football in this country and we’re delighted that the BBC are coming on this journey with us.
“More live games means more visibility for the players and this will help the game, like our brilliant senior women’s team, continue to go from strength to strength.”
