Women’s Professional Leagues Limited Agrees New Broadcast Deals
The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has agreed the most significant broadcast partnership ever for women’s football in the UK & Ireland following a new rights agreement with Sky and BBC Sport.
The new deal sees both broadcasters commit to the Barclays Women’s Super League (BWSL) for a further five years.
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 is committed to continue innovating within coverage and provide unprecedented 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.
Nikki Doucet, CEO, 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, 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.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director, BBC Sport, said: “It’s great to see the BWSL growing and growing, and I’m delighted that the BBC are carrying on as a partner on that journey.”
