In the olden days, three channels were all you needed – now you need multiple subscriptions to keep on top of every event
While previously you could rely on finding all the sports you needed on the same two or three channels, the market has become fragmented, and it’s now necessary to have multiple subscriptions so as not to miss out.
The Irish Independent has analysed the various packages on offer and how much they cost to help keep you up to date with your favourite teams and stars.
Sports packages come in various shapes and sizes, with the main channels each providing their own unique selling point in what is a highly competitive market.
“Sports content has become extremely fragmented over the past decade or so,” said Darragh Cassidy of price-comparison website Bonkers.ie.
“There really is no single channel for avid sport fans any more. In recent years streaming services like Netflix and Amazon have also dipped their toes into the live sports market, and I’d expect them to become much bigger players here over the coming years, which will lead to further fragmentation.”
With multiple providers vying for subscribers, which one you choose depends on what sports you prefer.
RTÉ
A wide range of matches are free-to-air on RTÉ TV, so fans who want to keep their favourite sports close to home can explore the options the national broadcaster has to offer.
From the League of Ireland to club and international rugby matches, RTÉ’s coverage will not leave Irish sports fans wanting.
The national broadcaster’s channels are free on Saorview, and are also included on several commercial broadband and TV packages.
Virgin Media
Home to a wide range of sporting events both national and international.
Virgin Media has much to offer, having secured the rights to broadcast all competitive European international football, including the Uefa European Championship and Fifa World Cup.
Like RTÉ, VMT channels are free on Saorview and also included in broadband and TV packages.
Get these channels through: Virgin, €50 a month (with broadband) for 12 months; Sky, €22 a month for six months (including all Sky Sports channels); Vodafone, €50 a month (with broadband) for six months.
GAAGO
Launched in 2014 to make the GAA more accessible to the world, the streaming service has grown in popularity, offering both a website and an app on both Google’s Play Store and Apple devices.
However, it is controversial because some GAA fixtures that previously would have aired for free on terrestrial TV are now pay-to-watch only on GAAGO.
The cost of a single game is €12 while the “three-for-two” bundle deals cost €24.
If you want to be covered for all matches for a season, a full pass is available for €79. This amounts to just over €2 per game.
Sky Sports
The Sky Sports Package includes several channels across a wide range of sports including the Premier League and golf. These include Sky Sports Racing; Sky Sports Action; Sky Sports Tennis; Sky Sports F1; Sky Sports Golf; Sky Sports Cricket; Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Premier League.
A subscription now comes with 12 dedicated channels, meaning there really is something for everyone.
If you’re a TV customer of Vodafone, Sky or Virgin Media you can easily add it on for €40 a month and there are often half-price introductory deals on offer too.
Sky recently launched a dedicated tennis channel, but it doesn’t show all the Grand Slams.
Some events during the grass-court season will also air for free on the BBC. Sky Sports has long been known as the home of Premier League action. However, it doesn’t show every game.
Another way to watch Sky Sports is by buying a “Pass” with Now, the streaming service from Sky.
You can buy a daily or monthly pass (or sign up to a longer discounted deal), meaning you can dip in and out of the sporting action as much as you please.
The pass gives you access to all 12 Sky Sports channels.
The price is €14.99 for one day or €38.99 for one month. All of this is on a no-contract basis, meaning you can cancel at any time. And discounted offers are often available.
“For many people, Sky Sports is their first port of call when looking to access sport,” Mr Cassidy said, with a subscription now coming with 12 dedicated channels.
Sky customers: €20 a month for six months; Virgin: €22.50 a month for 12 months; Vodafone and Now TV: €20 a month for 12 months.
TNT Sports and Premier Sports
TNT Sports, formerly BT Sports, offers a wide range of options. The Sports Extra package includes TNT Sport; TNT Sports 2; TNT Sport 3; TNT Sport 4 and Premier Sport 1 and 2.
You can get these channels at: Virgin, €30 a month for 12 months, which includes all Sky Sports channels; Sky, €27 a month for six months plus all Sky Sports channels; Vodafone and NOW TV, €27 a month for 12 months minimum term plus all Sky Sports Channels.
Eurosport
The Eurosport Player is €6.99 for one month, with no contract. Eurosport is now part of the Discovery network and is accessed as part of a subscription to Discovery+. This means that for €6.99 a month, you also have channels such as Discovery, TLC, Quest, Really and more.
“Eurosport itself shows an eclectic mix of sports including figure-skating, winter sports, cycling, snooker and the French Open and Australian Open tennis Grand Slams,” Mr Cassidy said.
