Irish broadcaster to show NFL International Games for free

September 17, 2025

Irish NFL fans have been given a welcome boost following the news that Virgin Media will be showing the first-ever NFL game to be played at Croke Park as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings visit the Irish capital as part of the NFL International Games series.

The news will only add to the excitement and anticipation ahead of the first-ever game on the 28th September, and the TV channel will also show the other remaining international games in London, Berlin and Madrid, as well as the Super Bowl.

The news has been welcomed by many. For example, many Irish people seem pleased that games of this stature will be more accessible and not behind paywalls or NFL subscription services. Free‑to‑air broadcast is viewed as a win for fans who might not want to pay extra.

This links into the fact that hosting a regular‑season NFL game in Dublin is seen as a momentous occasion. It’s considered a cultural milestone for American football in Ireland, something many fans and media outlets are proud of, and if they can’t get to the game in person, then they can watch at home or in a pub with ease and increasing the sports exposure.

https://twitter.com/VirginMedia_TV/status/1968193797700943890

NFL International Games coverage will be presented by familiar faces

The television audience tuning in will know and will recognise some familiar faces leading the Irish coverage of the NFL on Virgin Media.

Tommy Martin will present the coverage with his usual sharp insight and engaging broadcasting style. While former Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada and Irish-born NFL podcaster Michael McQuaid will offer their own perspectives

It is the honour of my career to announce that I will be part of Virgin Media’s broadcast team for the historic first NFL Dublin Game in Croke Park along with the NFL London Games this season.

All I have ever wanted was an opportunity to reach the next level — and trust me when… pic.twitter.com/8X7kgAQhrq

— Michael McQuaid (@McQuaidNFL) September 17, 2025

Tadhg Leader, former kicker and founder of Leader Kicking, which seeks to establish pathways for Irish athletes into the NFL, will also join the coverage.

Dave McIntyre will team up with Obada for game-day analysis as they mull over key events in the first-ever NFL game to be played in Ireland. Elsewhere, Bernard O’Toole will be the broadcaster’s on-the-ground reporter at Croke Park and will be monitoring fan and celebrity reactions to the big game.

Looking ahead to the game at the end of September, the Minnesota Vikings are 11/10 with Irish sports betting sites to win in Dublin. Their opposition, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are priced at 4/5.

Virgin Media delighted with NFL partnership

Reflecting on the deal, Director of News and Sports at Virgin Media, Mick McCaffrey spoke of his delight at getting it over the line and said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the NFL to broadcast 10 exciting games this season, including the historic Vikings V Steelers match at Croke Park and Super Bowl LX.

“The sport has never been as popular in Ireland, and we are looking forward to bringing our viewers free-to-air coverage with our own analysis and take on the best of the live action”.

NFL also welcome deal

Laura Louisy, the Director of International Business Development and Media at the NFL, was also pleased to confirm the news and said: “The 2025 NFL Dublin game marks an exciting milestone for the sport in Ireland as we look to grow fandom in the market.

“Virgin Media Television are a great partner to not only broadcast this historic game free-to-air, but more broadly bring fans close to the sport across the 2025 NFL season of international game moments, playoffs and Super Bowl LX.”