GAAGO, the streaming service partnership between the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and RTE, has faced scrutiny over its viewership numbers. At a hearing with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media, GAA Director General Tom Ryan revealed that some GAAGO games in 2023 had fewer than 1,500 viewers. However, the most-watched game attracted around 120,000 viewers. Overall, the 42 championship games broadcast by GAAGO in 2023 had a combined viewership of 1.3 million.
The average number of viewers across the games was just over 30,000. Ryan stated that broadcast revenue accounts for about 20% of the GAA’s overall revenue, and GAAGO paid €4 million for the rights package this year.
Peter McKenna, the GAA’s commercial director, explained that there are now more free-to-air games available and fewer behind a paywall compared to previous contracts. The number of games behind the paywall has decreased to 16-17%, down from 30% in previous contracts.
McKenna also revealed that Virgin Media was contacted as a potential media rights partner before last year’s new five-year rights package was confirmed. However, Virgin preferred a ready-to-go option that did not involve production.
It was highlighted that GAAGO currently operates without clearance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC had previously given clearance for GAAGO when it only broadcast to an international audience. Discussions are ongoing with the CCPC to address this issue.
RTE’s head of sport, Declan McBennett, confirmed that GAAGO does not yet have the required clearance, but the CCPC is being kept informed of developments.
Ryan and McBennett denied allegations that certain games were put behind the GAAGO paywall specifically to boost profits. Ryan emphasized that decisions regarding fixtures are made independently by the GAA’s Central Competition Controls Committee and are based on various considerations, including the integrity of competitions rather than commercial interests.
Some members of the committee raised concerns about limited access and poor broadband in rural areas of Ireland. Additionally, there were criticisms of the €12 single-game fee charged by GAAGO.
The GAA and RTE continue to work together to provide a wide variety of games for viewers, considering geographical distribution and fairness to all counties. RTE ensures that any profit from GAAGO is reinvested into securing rights from the GAA to broadcast league and club games throughout the year.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the need for balance between pay-per-view options and free-to-air availability to cater to the diverse needs of GAA fans. The GAA and RTE remain committed to providing comprehensive coverage of Gaelic games, supporting their growth and popularity across Ireland.
