The 2025 Sports Direct Women’s Premiership season has concluded and once again proven to be a landmark year for women’s football in Northern Ireland.
Fan engagement remained strong throughout the season, with total match attendance reaching 11,000, maintaining last year’s impressive rise and marking a 58% increase since 2021. This sustained growth is a testament to a loyal and expanding fanbase that continues to champion the women’s game.
Two marquee fixtures captured national attention and set new attendance records:
- The VBET Women’s League Cup Final between Cliftonville Ladies and Glentoran Women drew a record-breaking crowd of 1,189 to Blanchflower Stadium—the highest ever attendance for a women’s match in NIFL history.
- The league title decider between the same sides brought in 911 spectators, setting a new all-time record for a Women’s Premiership fixture.
Digital reach also soared, with content across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok amassing over 21 million video views. The league added more than 4,500 new followers and generated over 212,000 post reactions, reinforcing the powerful connection between fans and the Women’s Premiership.
The league’s international profile grew further through an ongoing broadcast partnership with DAZN. A record five matches were streamed live globally, the highest number in a single season, placing Northern Ireland’s top-flight women’s league on a growing world stage.
On the commercial front, the Women’s Premiership achieved a media advertising value equivalent (MAVE) of £8.61 million through press and print coverage. In a further boost, Rockshore joined as the Official Beer of the league.
Sophie Glendinning, NIFL Competitions Lead, commented: “We are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved across the Women’s Premiership this season. From record attendances to millions engaging with our content around the world, the growth and energy around the league is something truly special. It reflects the passion of our clubs, the quality of our players and the commitment of our supporters and commercial partners.
“As we close the curtain on another successful year, we now look ahead with great excitement to the inaugural NIFL Women’s Football Awards on Sunday 19 October, where we will celebrate the standout achievements of 2025 and those driving the women’s game forward.”
