826,086 fans attended League of Ireland games in 2023—representing a 19.5% increase from 2022.
The League of Ireland’s (LOI) growing impact on Ireland’s national economy, local communities and the development of men’s and women’s football has been captured in a new BDO report.
According to the Economic Impact Assessment of the League of Ireland report, the League of Ireland contributed €164.7m to the Irish economy in 2023.
“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”
The League made this contribution to the economy through direct activities, as well as indirect, such as supporting local businesses and jobs. The league also contributed an estimated €40m to the Exchequer through taxes, highlighting its significant role in supporting national finances.
Eye on the ball
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 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division rose by 59% and the SSE Airtricity 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.
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 3.08m. The LOI’s streaming service, LOITV, also saw 75% revenue growth since its launch in 2021, with over 49,000 fans purchasing streams.
League of Ireland clubs collectively generated €38.1m in revenue during the 2023 season, with ticket sales accounting for 28% of total income, followed by 19% from transfer income. A total of €10.1m was invested in 2023 to improve stadiums and training facilities, enhancing the overall matchday experience for fans.
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.
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.
“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,” said Mark Scanlon, director of the League of Ireland.
“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.”
“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,” added BDO Ireland director Austin Hickey.
“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.”
Main image at top: 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: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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