The Hoops believe they can generate a sum of between €500,000 and €1 million over the course of a four-year contract and have committed to securing the revenue to fund professional contracts for youth players in their academy.
It is understood that as part of the deal, Sharp Group, a fire and security solutions provider, will appear on the signage system for 20 minutes during each match.
League of Ireland Premier Division Preview – May 10
Robbers can sell the rotating ad space for the rest of the minutes. As part of the sponsorship deal with Sharp, the company has paid the costs of implementing what Rovers has described as a 'state-of-the-art' system.
“This revolutionary partnership has enabled the purchase of an advanced LED signage system that will transform the matchday experience at Tallaght Stadium,” said a statement from the Hoops.
“We believe this is the largest ever commercial sponsorship deal signed by a League of Ireland club.”
The LED boards have previously been brought in and taken out for certain European matches and were used for women's internationals at the Dublin 24 venue, but they will now be in place permanently, with Rovers able to generate rental income from UEFA and the FAI for their use.
Rovers added that the partnership includes a commitment from the club to allocate a significant portion of the revenue generated by the LED signage system to the academy to fund professional contracts: “This strategic step aims to support the ongoing efforts of the club to support youth development and education within the football community.”
Rovers are looking to increase the number of full-time youth players on their books, an area that has come under scrutiny from a national perspective, with League of Ireland academy chief Will Clarke highlighting that there was only a single figure of were pros. -17 age group in 2023.
Although Hoops currently operates a transition year program, there are plans to offer approximately ten pro contracts each year to participants in that program, allowing them to spend their final two years in school.
Last year was difficult financially for the Hoops, with a loss of around €2.4 million.
A difficult year in Europe was one aspect of that – although there were several factors that contributed – and it is recognized that this year's campaign will be very important in that area for Stephen Bradley's side.
In addition to the prize money from progress, perimeter advertising for televised games across Europe would have the potential to be seriously lucrative if Rovers were to progress this year.
Sharp managing director Ivan Nolan said: “This deal has a direct impact on every aspect of the football club, from the men's and women's premier teams, through to the League of Ireland men's and women's academy, through to the underage youth teams and down to the youth academy . education program.
“We are very curious about the results.”