Record setting attendances, digital reach, and commercial growth soar the NI Football League to new heights in landmark 2024/25 season

The 2024/2025 season will go down as another memorable in the history of the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), with unprecedented growth both on and off the pitch.

Since the league's formation in 2013, this year marked the highest-ever attendance at a single match – when over 14,539 passionate fans packed out BetMcLean Cup Final between Cliftonville and Glentoran in March. 

It was also the biggest Boxing Day ever back in December, as 18,835 fans attended the six Sports Direct Premiership games to set a new record not only for the traditional festive games but also for a single round of fixtures since official records began – with no less than three of the games being fully sold out well in advance of Christmas. 

In total, over 480,000 fans attended NIFL matches across all competitions the campaign, a powerful testament to the appetite for Irish League football.

The Sports Direct Premiership attendances continue to hold strong, with an average attendance maintaining the recent highs: as the 2024/2025 campaign still reflects growth of +77% since NIFL's inception and +6% compared to post-COVID numbers in 2021.

“This season’s figures show what we already knew – football is thriving within the NI Football League. The loyalty and passion of our supporters, both in the stands and online, continues to drive our game forward,” said Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive of the NI Football League. 

There was a nominal reduction in attendances within the top division for the first time in four years – with the average match attendance dropping slightly from 1,589 (in 2023/2024) to 1,522 per match this season. The impact of the title-race being settled early alongside other contributing factors.

“The drop in attendances is disappointing but not concerning for us, we will naturally review alongside our clubs for next season; however, I’m confident with the imminent arrival of the NI Football Fund to improve stadia and the data still showing huge demand for our big matches, particularly games being broadcast live on television, that we’re in an exciting place!” added Lawlor.

Digital Growth Goes Global

NIFL’s digital footprint reached historic new levels, with fans increasingly connecting with their clubs in innovative and engaging ways.

The league’s total social media following jumped by 33.6% to 155,000 followers – with TikTok growing by 44% and Instagram by 30%, driven largely by younger supporters.

In fact, the 18–24-year-old age group is now the largest demographic online, with 22% of digital fans now female – a 5% year-on-year increase.

For the first time ever, NIFL surpassed 100 million digital views, representing a phenomenal 274% growth from the previous season.

A landmark milestone, powered by compelling video content, from match highlights to player stories and fan-driven features which tell the unique and passionate stories across all the clubs in our leagues.

Commercial Success and Community Impact

Away from the action, NIFL’s influence continued to grow.

The first-ever NIFL Football Awards became the biggest football celebration event of the season, bringing together the football family a night to remember and honouring the best in class both on and off the pitch.

The league also proudly launched a charity partnership with Action Mental Health, raising awareness and vital funds through high-impact campaigns like the popular "Statement Shirts" initiative and the BetMcLean Cup Final programme design competition.

These efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as NIFL was named a finalist at both the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards and the 2024 NI Social Media Awards.

With more fans in the stands, more eyes on the screens, and more initiatives making a difference off the pitch, the NI Football League continues to raise the bar.