The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) experienced a financially successful 2025, with total revenue reaching €142 million – a €9 million increase compared to 2024. However, despite the revenue growth, the overall consolidated surplus decreased to €3.7 million, down from €6.3 million the previous year. GAA officials have stated this decline was planned, and anticipated.
A significant driver of the financial upswing was a substantial increase in gate receipts, which jumped 17% to €45.7 million, representing a €6.6 million rise year-over-year. This surge in attendance figures – a 21% increase bringing 1.8 million spectators through the turnstiles – is being attributed to rule changes in Gaelic football and the restructured National Hurling League, as well as strong performances by key teams.
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (SFC) saw a particularly impressive boost, with attendance figures climbing 25.33% to 641,429 in 2025, up from 512,001 in 2024. The Liam MacCarthy Cup, awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, also benefited from increased interest, experiencing an 11% rise in attendance, reaching 266,170 spectators compared to 239,677 in 2024.
Semi-final matches proved to be major draws. The Tipperary-Kilkenny hurling semi-final attracted a crowd exceeding 60,000, a significant increase from the 39,241 who attended the Clare-Kilkenny semi-final in 2024. Both the Cork-Limerick (2024) and Cork-Dublin (2025) football semi-finals were sell-out successes, demonstrating consistent demand for high-profile matches.
Beyond the All-Ireland championships, the Allianz Hurling League witnessed a remarkable 43% jump in attendance, culminating in a sell-out crowd of 45,000 for the final between Cork and Tipperary at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Allianz Football League also saw a healthy 19% increase, with a total of 491,565 attendees throughout the season, compared to 412,536 in 2024.
Croke Park continued to be a significant revenue generator, contributing €50.5 million to the overall total – a €4.5 million increase. This figure includes revenue from concerts, with Oasis headlining a successful summer series of events in 2025.
The GAA’s financial report also highlights a commitment to reinvestment. A substantial 83% of every euro generated is being directly reinvested into the development of the association at all levels – from clubs and schools to counties and provinces. In 2025, €28 million was allocated to Games Development and Player Welfare, €18.2 million to match day and competition costs, and €15.2 million to Coaching and Games Development. Further investment included €6.1 million in County grounds redevelopment grants and almost €5 million to assist clubs with pitch, clubhouse, and facility upgrades.
the combined Association surplus reached €9.9 million, encompassing Central Council, Provincial Councils, County Boards, and the Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium company. Notably, 33 county boards, including London GAA, collectively recorded a surplus of €6.5 million, a €2.8 million increase from 2024. The collective annual income of counties rose by 12% to a total of €112 million.
Munster GAA, in particular, experienced strong financial performance, with gate receipts soaring past €9.5 million in 2025. Their surplus before funding increased to €4.804 million, up from €3.939 million in 2024, demonstrating robust finances despite rising operational costs.
While the consolidated surplus decreased the GAA’s financial health remains strong, fueled by increased attendance and a continued commitment to reinvestment in the sport’s infrastructure and development. The success of the 2025 season, marked by increased attendance across multiple competitions and strategic investments, positions the association for continued growth and development in the years to come.
