Longford Town FC prepare for new season as 2025 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland is launched

The 2025 League of Ireland season was launched this Wednesday at The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin ahead of a hugely exciting new campaign with Longford Town FC starting their 2025 First Division 36 games schedule at home to Bray Wanderers on Saturday week (February 15), kick-off 7.30pm. 

After a thrilling 2024 season, the new season features fascinating story lines and new developments in the League bringing fans even more excitement this year.

As Dundalk set out for the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign for the first time since 2008, this Division is set to be hugely competitive with several sides eyeing promotion to the top tier.

Shelbourne will look to defend their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title having dramatically claimed it for the first time in 18 years last year.

They’ll face challenges from the likes of Shamrock Rovers, who will be buoyed from their recent European success, and a St. Patrick’s Athletic side who won nine games in a row at the end of 2024 with both looking to claim the crown.

Derry City, under the new guidance of Tiernan Lynch have their sights on a title challenge too while Cork City return to the top flight bringing us no shortage of talking points ahead of the new SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season. All ten SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division teams will be full time this year, another first for the League of Ireland.

In the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, 12 teams will now compete in the Division for the first time ever as newcomers Waterford join the likes of defending champions Athlone Town, Shelbourne, Wexford and Galway United all looking for a big year.

With attendances, broadcast audiences and digital engagement continuing to grow in 2024, the 2025 season looks set to reach even more people through new broadcast agreements, LOITV platforms and more ways of reaching new fans.

New developments for the 2025 League of Ireland season include:

- An exclusive Virgin Media Television agreement to show 36 games in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for the next four-years

- A new TG4 deal for 14 games in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division

- A brand-new LOITV platform in partnership with Premier Sports featuring new apps and subscription models

- The first ever League of Ireland game at the Aviva Stadium when Bohemians clash with Shamrock Rovers on the opening weekend

- The first ever official Fantasy LOI

League of Ireland, Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “As we approach the new League of Ireland season, we do so with a number of things to look forward to and great excitement in what promises to be a thrilling season. We all enjoyed the dramatic title races last year and we’re expecting another competitive season ahead with numerous challengers for each of the three Divisions. 

“All the story lines will reach even more people this year as we bring in new broadcast deals with Virgin Media Television, TG4, a brand new LOITV platform and increased coverage across our social media platforms meaning the League of Ireland has never been as accessible as it is now. 

Special thanks to our long-standing partners, and title sponsor of all three Divisions, SSE Airtricity. The League of Ireland finds itself in an exciting new era and we look forward to working with all our partners and Clubs to make this the best year we’ve ever had.”

Ashley Morrow, Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, at SSE Airtricity said: “We’re thrilled to see the return of the League of Ireland for the 2025 season. As proud sponsors of the League of Ireland Men’s and Women’s Premier Divisions, and Men’s First Division, we remain committed to fostering the growth and success of Irish football. 

“We know the League is so special because it is powered by people and that is something we will continue to champion for the season ahead. To the dedicated volunteers, staff, coaches, and of course, the players. We thank you all - your relentless hard work and passion is nothing short of amazing.”

Dean O'Shea is pictured wearing the Longford Town FC 2025 home jersey at the league launch