October 31 – The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has agreed what it says is “the most significant broadcast partnership ever for women’s football”, following a new rights agreement with Sky and BBC Sport in the UK and Ireland.
The new deal sees both broadcasters commit to the Barclays Women’s Super League (BWSL) for a further five years and means that fans can once again watch every match from the top tier of women’s professional football in England live.
As lead broadcast partner, Sky will show up to 118 matches, with 78 fixtures shown exclusively across Sky and Sky Sports channels including all matches from the closing weekend of the season. For the remaining matches, 34 will be shared non-exclusively between Sky and WPLL’s YouTube channel, and 7 broadcast on both Sky and the BBC.
In addition to the increased number of matches broadcast, Sky have pledged to continue to provide promotion and marketing support to the League.
The new partnership also gives Sky the option to show matches from the Barclays Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the Final. This brings both competitions onto Sky for the first time.
The BBC will broadcast live coverage of 21 matches, including 14 exclusive matches on BBC TV and seven shared on BBC iPlayer and BBC digital platforms. Audio commentary of selected matches will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sounds and on local BBC radio every weekend of match weeks.
In line with WPLL’s strategy, in game and post-game rights have been granted to players to use for the first time.
WPLL worked with the Women’s Sport Group to agree the new broadcast deal. No value has been given for the rights fees.
Nikki Doucet, CEO, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited: “Agreeing the next cycle of broadcast rights was a priority for us and we are very fortunate to have two premium broadcast partners in Sky and the BBC who believe in the future and value of women’s football as much as we do.
“The growth of the game is undeniable, and this deal is another step in the right direction and positive news for the fans, the players and the clubs. Sky and the BBC are long-time backers and their contribution to the growth of the women’s game should not go without recognition.
“They provide excellent visibility coupled with first-class production values and we look forward to building on our partnership over the coming years.”
Dana Strong, Group CEO, Sky, said: “This is an incredibly exciting and significant moment for women’s sport. The longer-term partnership reflects our commitment to women’s football and provides the platform for us to keep working with the WPLL to bring in more fans, grow the game and create the most entertaining and competitive women’s football league in the world.”
With WSL matchday attendance figures on the steep incline, and with more matches being moved to larger venues, the deal marks a significant off-pitch development for women’s football in the country.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732472942labto1732472942ofdlr1732472942owedi1732472942sni@g1732472942niwe.1732472942yrrah1732472942