The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has announced a landmark three-year partnership with BOYLE Sports, which will become the title sponsor of the league’s top men’s and women’s competitions in a deal worth more than £1 million.

The agreement marks the largest commercial partnership in NIFL history and further strengthens the relationship between the Irish bookmaker and Northern Irish football after BOYLE Sports was appointed the league’s official betting partner in December 2025.

BOYLE Sports expands commitment to Northern Irish football

Under the new agreement, BOYLE Sports will become title partner of the:

- BOYLE Sports Premiership

- BOYLE Sports Championship

- BOYLE Sports Women’s Premiership

The operator will also retain its existing rights, including title sponsorship of the BOYLE Sports Women’s Cup.

The partnership significantly expands BOYLE Sports’ visibility across Northern Irish football, with branding appearing on club kits, matchday environments, broadcast content, scoreboards, player-of-the-match activations and digital platforms throughout the season.

First NIFL partnership worth more than £1 million

The deal represents a major commercial milestone for NIFL, becoming the first partnership in the league’s history to exceed the £1 million mark.

It follows a record-breaking season for the competition, which generated more than 100 million digital views and delivered its strongest commercial and audience performance to date.

NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor described the agreement as a significant moment for the league’s continued growth.

“We are delighted to extend our relationship with BOYLE Sports through this landmark title partnership,” Lawlor said.

“This is a major commercial moment for NIFL and reflects the growing strength and ambition of our competitions. BOYLE Sports has already shown real commitment to football in Northern Ireland, and this agreement will deliver meaningful value across our clubs, competitions and communities.”

Responsible gambling initiative included

Alongside the commercial elements of the partnership, BOYLE Sports will launch a responsible gambling awareness programme across NIFL clubs.

The initiative will use the league’s matchday and digital channels to provide practical information, encourage safer betting conversations and promote responsible gambling throughout the season.

The inclusion of a dedicated safer gambling programme reflects the increasing emphasis placed on responsible gaming within sports sponsorship agreements across Europe.

BOYLE Sports sees strong momentum in local football

BOYLE Sports CEO Vlad Kaltenieks said the operator sees significant growth potential within Northern Ireland football and believes the partnership provides an opportunity to support that development.

“Football in Northern Ireland has real momentum and we’re proud to deepen our partnership with the Northern Ireland Football League at such an important time for the League,” Kaltenieks said.

“Becoming Title Partner across the Premiership, Championship and Women’s Premiership reflects our belief in the clubs, supporters and communities that make the game so strong.

“This partnership gives us the opportunity to support that growth, enhance fan experience and use our platform to positively engage with fans and the wider football community.”

New era for NIFL sponsorship

The agreement comes as the Northern Ireland Football League prepares for what is expected to be one of its most high-profile seasons.

Former Premiership title sponsor Sports Direct will remain involved through its sponsorship of the Women’s Premiership for the remainder of the 2026 season and through a new agreement as NIFL’s Official Sports Retail Partner.

Meanwhile, NIFL also acknowledged the contribution of Playr-Fit, which served as title sponsor of the Championship and Premier Intermediate League during the past three years.

With BOYLE Sports now becoming the naming rights partner across the league’s flagship competitions, the deal signals growing commercial confidence in Northern Irish football and highlights the increasing role of betting operators in supporting domestic football ecosystems.

Strengthening football sponsorship portfolio

For BOYLE Sports, the agreement further expands an already significant sports sponsorship portfolio that includes partnerships across horse racing, rugby and football.

By securing title rights across both the men's and women’s competitions, the bookmaker gains year-round exposure while aligning itself with one of the fastest-growing domestic football competitions in the UK and Ireland.

Sources: NIFL, Sport for Business