With hype and investment around the Women’s Premier Division on the rise and with the kick off date fast approaching, you may be wondering just how much prize money is on offer in the LOIW this year.
Like is the case with a lot of women’s sports, the prize money is almost exponentially increasing year on year, and on this occasion the LOIW is no exception.
The league’s principal partners, SSE Airtricity, this week announced that the prize money available for the 2024 Women’s Premier Division will be €110,000, marking double the €55,000 presented to the league last season.
League Launch complete 👊
Ready for the season to begin 💫#WLOI | #LOI24 pic.twitter.com/CpYdlqVZhX— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) February 7, 2024
Overall, the prize money for the League of Ireland’s three divisions, the WPD, the Men’s Premier Division and the Men’s First Division, is said to have grown by €110,000 to €765,000, a 17% rise on last year’s allocation.
With the WPD’s allowance having increased by €55,000, that means the further €55,000 of new supplement is to be spread amongst the two men’s divisions, for a combined total of €655,000 between them.
Although the winners of each individual competition will obviously receive the biggest chunk of the money, it does also trickle down the rest of the teams too and is allocated in terms of their final league position.
"TG4 has announced it will be screening 12 live games during the upcoming SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division, with the first of these involving Athlone Town."
Go raibh míle maith agaibh @westmeathindo 🤝 @TG4TV @LoiWomen #LOIWhttps://t.co/lVj3ZlzqaV— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 8, 2024
How much prize money is on offer in the LOIW is a testament to the growth of women's football in Ireland
The WPD’s €110,000 kitty that was announced at the League of Ireland launch in Vicar Street yesterday is without doubt a testament to the rapid growth of the domestic women’s game here in Ireland.
That’s especially the case when put in the context of how, in 2021, the overall prize money for the women’s league stood at just €20,000.
With both sponsorship and broadcast deals contributing to the growth, the increase in funding will be a welcome addition to many WPD clubs.
Statistics released at the conclusion of last season pointed to wide attendance increases too, with a total of 33,840 turning up at WPD games in 2023, up on 23,907 attendees in 2022.
A new record crowd of 1464 was also set by newcomers Shamrock Rovers, with Bohemians, Peamount United, Shelbourne, Cork City, Athlone Town, Wexford and Treaty United all detailing significant attendance growth too.
Got any thoughts 🤔? ? Let us know! #attendances (🧵2/4🪡) pic.twitter.com/Fc6cCw9WPA
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) November 24, 2023
Ahead of the start of this year’s WPD season on March 9th, League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon says he’s thankful for the “brilliant partnership” with SSE Airtricity that allowed for the injection of funding this year.
“Our relationship with SSE Airtricity continues to grow year-on-year and this news is a sign of our commitment to growing the men's and women’s game in Ireland,” he says.
“We’re really looking forward to a thrilling season across all three Divisions this year and it’s great that we will reach an even bigger audience this season with an increase in TV coverage.
“This rising audience should see an exciting title race in all three Divisions with brilliant story lines around the country that will help our fan base grow even further in 2024.”
SSE Airtricity Head of Brand, Advertising and Sponsorship Ashley Morrow also commented on the announcement, noting that they were “delighted to be supporting the League of Ireland for our 15th season together.”
“Football is enjoyed by so many across the country and we know the success of the League is because of the people involved – whether that be the fans, players, volunteers or officials,” she adds.
“We’re proud to support all three divisions and will continue to invest in driving football forward.
“With the FAI, we’ll be working together to enhance the experience for players on and off the pitch, while partnering with football clubs across the country on their sustainability journey. Like you, we’re excited for the return of the League - here’s to an even bigger and better season ahead!”
The stage is set 🥁 #WLOI | #LOI24 pic.twitter.com/6HhnynviIc
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) February 7, 2024
