Bitterly disappointing news emerged this week as the “commercially unsuccessful” WatchLOI service is set to be vastly reduced for 2021. Daniel McDonnell of the Irish Independent reported that audience and subscription numbers for last season fell far short of expectations, and to cover all Premier Division games this year would not make financial sense for RTE. 4,700 season passes were purchased by supporters, while almost 11,000 single match passes were sold. Former FAI CEO Gary Owens described the numbers as “disappointingly low” in September. McDonnell reports that several broadcasting options are being considered by the FAI, with one involving RTE showing a third of Premier Division games this season. Meanwhile some clubs have expressed a desire to broadcast games themselves when they are the home team.
So where does this leave the supporters? While broadcast arrangements are to be announced in the next few weeks, the decision to ditch a full scale WatchLOI for 2021 raises a few questions.
The FAI’s reluctance to enthusiastically back a wide scale LOI streaming service is really disappointing. Although last season's figures may have been “commercially unsuccessful”, it should be used as a foundation to build on for the future. Let’s be honest, the League of Ireland isn't the most lucrative league in football. Many clubs survive month to month and have been hit hard by having no supporters through the gate since March. The league needs a leg up. The FAI and stakeholders should be focusing on the growth and potential of the league, rather than profit margins and subscriber figures. It’s not so long ago that John Delaney described the league as a “problem child”. Much more needs to be done if the league and clubs are to become successful and self-sufficient. A comprehensive WatchLOI service, targeted advertising, and regular social media content would boost the leagues coverage and entice new supporters into their local club. Increased coverage by RTE & Eir would be much welcomed too, while paid advertisements within WatchLOI games may keep stakeholders happy.
Having said this, the FAI’s loss may become another's gain. It's expected that clubs will get the opportunity to broadcast games themselves. This will be key as supporters would be missing out on 120 Premier Division games otherwise. Having a third of Premier Division games on WatchLOI, and the remainder in a 5-minute RTE highlights package simply isn’t good enough. Match passes bought by fans would bring in much needed revenue to clubs and would make the games accessible to supporters overseas. Nobody is expecting an Irish Carragher & Neville in front of a 6-foot touch screen, nor are we fussed about having 8 camera angles in the ground. The League of Ireland supporters across the country would be delighted with a consistent, good quality broadcast with a commentator or two. Even when fans begin to return to grounds again, a regular streaming service by clubs, or the FAI should be a priority.
There is so much potential for the League of Ireland to grow in this country and having a full scale WatchLOI service would be a huge steppingstone towards that. How is the league and its coverage meant to improve if the public can only watch a handful of games? Let's hope that the FAI’s missed opportunity will be a catalyst for clubs being in charge of their broadcasting.