The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has made history by securing a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and the BBC.
This groundbreaking partnership will significantly boost the visibility and popularity of women’s football in the UK.
Key Highlights of the Deal:
- Expanded Coverage: Sky Sports will broadcast up to 118 matches per season, while the BBC will share coverage of seven fixtures with Sky. Additionally, 34 fixtures will be available on Sky Sports and the WPLL’s YouTube channel.
- Premier League Exposure: Sky Sports will also broadcast matches from the Barclays Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the final.
- Player Empowerment: Players will have the right to use in-game and post-game footage for the first time, empowering them to share their stories and connect with fans directly.
Commenting on the occasion, Nikki Doucet, CEO of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, said, “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 of Sky, added, “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.
“As the home of sport, Sky is already by far the biggest investor in women’s sport in the UK and Ireland, and this new partnership further demonstrates our backing of elite female athletes. We look forward to telling their stories and inspiring the next generation of fans.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, continued, “It’s great to see the BWSL growing and growing, and I’m delighted that the BBC is carrying on as a partner on that journey.
“There are so many great players, matches and stories each season and this deal allows fans to enjoy them for free wherever they are, whether it’s clips on the website, iPlayer and social media or the full 90 minutes on TV, radio and Sounds.
“We remain the most-used sports broadcaster in the UK, providing unparalleled cross-platform coverage, so it’s brilliant to be able to continue bringing the WSL to audiences as part of our unparalleled free-to-air portfolio.
“With EURO 2025 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 also around the corner, the BBC will continue to give women’s sport the platform to reach audiences across the UK.”
This historic partnership solidifies the growing popularity and commercial value of women’s football. By securing such a substantial broadcast deal, the WPLL aims to inspire aspiring female footballers and elevate the sport to new heights.