RTÉ nets €3m for its stake in GAAGO
RTÉ has confirmed it has sold its 50% share in GAAGO back to the GAA for €3m, despite valuing it at just €660,000 two years ago, writes Brian Mahon.
The station’s director general Kevin Bakhurst outlined the move in an email to staff yesterday.
He wrote: “We confirmed in February 2025 that we had agreed in principle with the GAA to sell its interest in GAAGO and to reinvest the revenue raised in the provision of services to the public.
“We also stated at the time that any final agreement would be subject to the necessary consents and approvals being in place.”
He said that RTÉ had now received those consents and had also received payment from the GAA.
The sale is “now complete” he told staff.
“We will use the proceeds from the sale of its share in GAAGO – €3m – to invest in our regional studios and productions facilities, particularly in Cork, Limerick and Galway.”
However, in RTÉ’s annual report for 2024, the company said that it valued its stake as being at €660,000.
“In 2024, a decision was made to dispose of the interest in GAAGO Media DAC.
“As a result of this decision the financial interest was reclassed to an investment held for sale in current assets at the carrying value of the asset at that time, being €660k.
“At the date of signing the negotiations to sell are in the process of being finalised.”
A spokesman for RTÉ said that the value stated in the 2024 annual report was the value “attributed historically by RTÉ to its 50% share of GAAGO”.
It is understood that the figure was attributed to GAAGO predated discussions about the sale value of the share of the company.
Mr Bakhurst said the establishment of GAAGO back in 2014 in a joint venture with the GAA was a “game changer” which allowed fans around the world to access Gaelic games.
“I want to thank all of those who contributed their knowledge and expertise to the vital establishment of GAAGO and acknowledge the successful collaboration with the GAA as the service developed, particularly during the pandemic period when people could not physically attend their beloved games.”
He said the “completion” of the sale meant that RTÉ could now “make good” on its commitment to “reinvest” these funds in the production of “programming and content” for audiences, particularly in regional production studios and facilities outside Dublin.
“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.”
The GAA streaming service is now known as GAA+.
A spokesman for RTÉ said discussions around the “specific games” on RTÉ and GAA+ are “ongoing”.
However, he confirmed that RTÉ will continue to show 35 live games free-to-air in line with contractual terms – 31 Senior Championship, three Tailteann Cup and the Joe McDonagh Cup Final.
A spokesman for the GAA said: “All necessary regulatory approvals, including from the CCPC [Competition and Comsumer Protection Commission], have been granted.
The station’s director general Kevin Bakhurst outlined the move in an email to staff yesterday. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie
“There is no change year-on-year to the free-to-air coverage.”
A spokeswoman for CCPC said: “The transaction was notified to the CCPC and reviewed before being cleared on 15 December 2025. We expect to publish the full determination in the coming weeks. This will detail our assessment and conclusions.”
Pre-tax profits at GAAGO last year grew by 28% to €1.11m.
