The GAA and GPA are pleased to announce that a new Recognition Protocol to cover the next four years (2026 to 2029) has been agreed between the two associations. The agreement follows a lengthy period of negotiations after the last arrangement was initially extended by one year.

The new protocol will deliver enhanced support for inter-county 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 as well as a restructuring of the Le Chéile Model (the GAA/GPA joint commercial venture) which will be supported by a clear vision in terms of growth, delivery and opportunity, that will serve both parties well going forward.

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. Previously agreed commercial properties (as outlined in the 2020 – 2024 Protocol) will be pursued as part of the Le Chéile strategic plan, including the development of a Championship Ball property for Senior Inter-County Championships in both football and hurling.

An historic partnership in relation to Name, Image, Likeness and Personality (NILP) rights will also be established and delivered via Le Chéile. The GAA formally recognises that inter-county players own their Name, Image, Likeness and Personality rights.

This will ensure a structured and transparent approach is put in place in terms of both commercial and non-commercial use of player NILP. This will be jointly governed by the GAA and GPA via Le Chéile, ensuring fairness, transparency and consistency for all inter-county players.

A defined distribution pot will be created for eligible players from NILP rights commercialisation.

It was further agreed to grow GAA+ in association with the GPA who will now receive 15% of the platform’s license fees and 15% of dividends annually. It is intended that GAA+ will serve as a vehicle for NILP-related activity with the GPA having editorial board representation.

This agreement strengthens the GAA–GPA partnership and establishes a modern commercial platform capable of delivering long-term growth, innovation and opportunity for players. All players will receive free access to GAA+.

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 and the GAA will give an outline of its commercial arrangements annually insofar as they are relevant to the calculation of the GPA’s 15% share.

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. This new support will assist eligible students annually, ensuring fair access to education for players who receive no other financial assistance.

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 GPA will continue to provide an annual end-of-year report to Central Council on its Player Development Programmes outlining, on a programme-by programme basis, how funding was disbursed for the relevant year while the GAA will retain audit rights for all aspects of GAA provided funding and any monies from Sport Ireland allocated to the GAA and distributed via the GPA .

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.

A new review mechanism for local arrangements in the Players’ Charter will also be introduced and will be the responsibility of the Joint Review Committee. Speaking on the agreement GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “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.

“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.

“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 also welcomed the agreement; “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.”

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