Players to own image rights as GPA/GAA agree deal
The GAA and the GPA have come to a new recognition protocol that will include inter-county players owning their name, image, likeness and personality rights (NILP).
Separate to the 2026 players' charter, also endorsed on Saturday at a Central Council meeting, the new protocol will run from 2026 to 2029.
On top of the images issue, the agreement between the associations will deliver enhanced support for players and "help ensure the GPA’s continued capacity to invest in education, scholarships, health and wellbeing and player development initiatives as well as supporting commercial recognition of inter-county players."
The protocol delivers 15% share of gross Central Council commercial revenue to the GPA while the Le Chéile mode, the GAA/GPA joint commercial venture, has been restructured.
The GPA will receive 95% of profit after tax (up to €800,000) and 75% of profit after tax above that threshold of Le Chéile funds which is recognised as player generated revenue.
As part of the agreement, the GPA will publish an annual report highlighting the impact of the Le Chéile funding and showing the programmes and initiatives it supports for players.
The new NILP agreement, in place for both commercial and non-commercial ventures, will be jointly governed by the GAA and GPA via Le Chéile.
Jarlath Burns: 'By providing a range of different player supports the GPA plays an important role'
A defined distribution pot will be created for eligible players from NILP rights commercialisation.
The GPA will receive 15% of GAA+’s platform’s license fees and 15% of dividends annually. All players will receive free access to GAA+.
"It is intended that GAA+ will serve as a vehicle for NILP-related activity with the GPA having editorial board representation," a joint statement from the two associations read.
While the GPA will continue to receive 15% of Central Council's annual inter-county related commercial revenues, it will now do so on a gross rather than net basis.
"The move to a gross figure will ensure an increase in annual revenue for the GPA with the additional revenue going towards a new joint GAA/GPA student bursary fund of €300,000 annually (additional to existing GPA bursary awards) which will specifically target those students who are not receiving any other forms of college financial aid related to their educational support," the statement added.
The GAA will also fund on a vouched basis, €40,000 per annum towards cardiac screening and/or dental protection for inter-county players. This is an increase from the existing €20,000 that has been in place since 2016 and reflects inflation and the increased GPA membership over that period.
The protocol also reaffirms the GAA’s continued recognition of the GPA as an independent representative body, acknowledging the importance of an independent player voice and advocacy for its members.
"I am pleased we have reached an agreement with the GPA that will underpin our relationship for the next four years and I would like to thank all involved on both sides in helping to get us to this point," said GAA President Jarlath Burns.
"At a time when we are reviewing the amateur status it is crucial that we create an environment where a balance between playing inter-county football and hurling and having a meaningful and fulfilling life away from the field of play, is achievable.
Tom Parsons: 'The agreement represents a good deal for players and a good deal for the GAA'
"By providing a range of different player supports the GPA plays an important role, and we look forward to their continued cooperation and collaboration over the duration of this agreement."
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said: "This is a good day for inter-county players with avenues towards a significant uplift in funding to support player welfare and development programmes. This new protocol agreement also breaks ground with formal recognition by the GAA of players’ ownership of their own NILP.
"The agreement represents a good deal for players and a good deal for the GAA who have shown their commitment to underpinning vital services for players through the funding agreed, which is generated through players and the inter-county game.
"I would like to thank both the GPA’s negotiating team and that of the GAA for their tireless work in negotiating a fair agreement for all."
Meanwhile the GAA are still awaiting the ethics and integrity committee's report reviewing the organisation’s relationship with Allianz.
The insurance company has sponsored the GAA's National League competitions since 1993, with an agreement to continue the partnership until 2030. The organisation also sponsors the Camogie Association as well as Cumann na mBunscol activities.
Allianz was among a series of companies listed in a report by UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese.
Close to 800 current and former players from Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and women's football signed a petition in September calling for the end of the commerical partnership.
On Friday Roscommon became the fifth county after Offaly, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Down to pass a motion calling on the GAA to cut its commercial ties with the firm.
Central Council delegates on Saturday were told the report is ongoing with just eight weeks until the start of the national leagues.
