RTÉ and FAI announce two-year broadcast agreement to show record number of Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup ties
RTÉ will show a record six fixtures from this season's Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup as part of a new two-year brodcast agreement with the Football Association of Ireland for the competition.
As part of the deal, seven fixtures from the 2026 edition of the FAI Cup will also be broadcast on RTÉ.
This season's coverage will begin in the third round, followed by two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the final at Aviva Stadium which will take place on Sunday, 9 November.
This year's draw for the second round draw will take place on Thursday, 5 June.
The first round kicked off last weekend when Castlebar Celtic defeated North End United, with the remaining ties to take place this weekend.
The 2026 competition will then see RTÉ broadcast every stage from the second round all the way to the final.
"The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season culminating in so many dramatic finals in recent seasons. The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike," said Declan McBennett, RTÉ's Group Head of Sport.
FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh added: "We're delighted to announce this fantastic new broadcast agreement with RTÉ which will ensure the best ever coverage of Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup continuing their excellent coverage of domestic football.
"As the League of Ireland goes from strength to strength, 2025 is set to the be the biggest year ever for the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup and having coverage this year from the third round will help us tell the story even better with RTÉ2 television.
"RTÉ have a long history with the League of Ireland and Men's FAI Cup as the Final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with the help of their coverage over the next two years. With huge crowds at the Aviva Stadium over recent years, this broadcast agreement will ensure that the magic of the Cup will continue to be compelling viewing for the Irish public over the next two years."
2025 fixtures to be broadcast live on RTÉ2
One third round fixture on the week ending Sunday, 17 August
Two quarter-final fixtures on the week ending Sunday, 14 September
Two semi-final fixtures on the week ending Sunday, 5 October
The final on Sunday, November 9.
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