League of Ireland contributes €164.7m annually to Irish Economy, BDO Ireland Report finds



The number of televised League of Ireland matches more than doubled from 2021 to 2023, with peak time viewership increasing by 80%.

BDO Ireland this morning announced the launch of its Economic Impact Assessment of the League of Ireland (LOI) report, which highlights the league's significant contributions to economic growth and the social benefits it provides to communities across the country. The report details the league's growing impact on Ireland's national economy, local communities, and the development of both men's and women's football.

LOI Fuels Economic Growth and Record Fan Engagement in 2023

In 2023, the LOI contributed €164.7 million to the Irish economy through direct activities, as well as related ones, such as supporting local businesses and jobs. The league also contributed an estimated €40 million to the Exchequer through taxes, highlighting its significant role in supporting national finances.

With 826,086 fans attending league games in 2023—representing a 19.5% increase from 2022—the assessment highlights growing public engagement with Irish football. Including cup and European matches, total attendance for the year rose to 966,994. 

Additionally, viewership figures surged, with televised matches more than doubling since 2021 and peak viewership increasing by 80%, reaching over 3.08 million in 2023, further reflecting the league’s expanding reach and popularity.


Key Highlights from the Report:

  • Total Economic Impact: The League of Ireland contributed €164.7 million in total to the Irish economy in 2023.
  • Attendance Growth: Total attendance across all LOI matches increased by 19.5% from 2022 to 2023, reaching 826,086 in 2023. This marks a 77% growth compared to 2019 figures, when total attendance stood at 464,100. Including domestic cups and European competitions, attendance reached 966,994 in 2023. 

The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division experienced the largest increase in attendance over that period, rising by 169%, while the Men’s Premier Division rose by 58% and the Men’s First Division saw an increase of 159%.

In 2023, the largest attendance recorded was 8,021 spectators at Shamrock Rovers’ home match against Sligo Rovers. In the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, the highest attendance was 1,464 for the match between Shamrock Rovers and Peamount United at Tallaght Stadium.

  • TV Viewership Surge: The number of televised League of Ireland matches more than doubled, from 21 games in 2021 to 43 games in 2023, with peak viewership increasing by 80%, reaching over 3.08 million. The LOI’s streaming service, LOITV, also saw 75% revenue growth since its launch in 2021, with over 49,000 fans purchasing streams.
  • Revenue and Infrastructure Investment: League of Ireland clubs collectively generated €38.1 million in revenue during the 2023 season, with ticket sales accounting for 28% of total income, followed by 19% from transfer income. A total of €10.1 million was invested in 2023 to improve stadiums and training facilities, enhancing the overall matchday experience for fans.
  • Job Creation: 1,646 people are directly employed by League of Ireland clubs, including full-time and part-time staff, with a further 4,448 jobs supported indirectly. This represents steady growth in employment supported by the league since 2019.
  • Fan Spending: Fans spent an average of €49.40 on travel, food, and merchandise on matchdays. This level of spending contributes significantly to local economies, especially in areas surrounding clubs' home grounds.
BDO is delighted to release this landmark report, which reflects the League of Ireland’s growing importance to the Irish economy and its local communities. The report showcases not only the financial contributions made by the league but also the social benefits, such as community engagement programs and youth development through football academies. The continued growth in both men's and women's football speaks to the success of clubs in fostering a deeper connection with fans and delivering long-term value to society.
Austin HickeyDirector

Left to Right - Ruairí Keating of Cork City, Laurie Ryan of Athlone Town, Chairman of the National League Committee Dermot Ahern, League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon, Austin Hickey, Director at BDO Ireland, and Rory Gaffney of Shamrock Rovers at the launch of the Economic Impact Assessment of the League of Ireland report. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

This report from BDO Ireland shows how the League of Ireland plays a crucial role through multiple dimensions bringing significant contributions to Irish society. Whether it be through direct or indirect employment, investment in infrastructure or supporter spend through travel, merchandise and hospitality, the League of Ireland has a major role to play in the Irish economy. League of Ireland Clubs have become increasingly professionalised in recent years and with Clubs now having Men’s and Women’s teams at Senior and Academy levels as well as strong community programmes, the Clubs have become integral to their local areas. This report shows us the net result of how this impacts Irish society and crucially how further investment can help the League realise its potential. We have seen increased attendances, audience and engagement with local communities and we’re excited for this to continue to grow.
Mark ScanlonLeague of Ireland Director

The report highlights the strong progress in women’s football, with record attendance and increasing participation at all levels. Football academies, involving over 2,600 players across men's and women’s development teams, are crucial to nurturing young talent and ensuring the continued success of Irish football for future generations.

As the league continues to expand, the report underscores the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and club development to ensure that Irish football can continue to thrive and deliver significant returns, both economic and social.


DOWNLOAD ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE LEAGUE OF IRELAND REPORT