RTÉ has confirmed that it has received payment of €3m from the GAA for its stake in the streaming service GAAGO, with the proceeds going towards regional studios and production facilities, particularly in Cork, Limerick and Galway.
A sale of RTÉ’s 50% stake in GAAGO was announced back in February 2025 with the GAA offering to buy out the broadcaster, and the proceeds being re-invested in the provision of services to the public.
However, RTÉ said at the time that any final agreement would be subject to the necessary consents and approvals being in place.
“These consents and approvals are now in place and receipt of this payment from the GAA means that the sale of GAAGO is now complete,” RTÉ said in a statement today.
“RTÉ will use the proceeds from the sale of its share in GAAGO — €3 million — to invest in its regional studios and production facilities, particularly in Cork, Limerick and Galway.”
RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst thanked all of those who “contributed their knowledge and expertise to the vital establishment of GAAGO”.
“The completion of the sale means that we can make good on our commitment to re-invest these funds in the production of programming and content for audiences, particularly in our regional production studios and facilities outside Dublin,” he said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish the GAA continued success with its GAA+ service and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them in supporting Ireland’s national games for many years to come.”
GAAGO was established as a joint venture between RTÉ and the GAA in 2014. Following the announcement of the buyout of RTÉ, the GAA said the streaming service would be renamed GAA+.
The service’s revenue for 2024, the latest figures available, increased to over €5.7m — an increase of €500,000 compared to the year prior. Of that, subscriptions generated just over €5.3m while sponsorship income was slightly up from €273,437 to €285,417.
Operational costs were higher in 2024 reaching €4m, up from €3.8m in 2023, but personnel costs were almost identical at the €550,000 mark. The average number of employees in GAAGO in 2024 was six.
Profits for the operational year rose from €874,047 to €978,986.
