WSL Signs 5-Year Broadcast Deal With BBC Sports and Sky Sports
Starting with the 2025-26 season, fans of the Women’s Super League (WSL) can expect unprecedented access to matches, thanks to a new five-year broadcast agreement between Sky Sports and the BBC.
What does the agreement mean for viewers?
According to the deal, both broadcasters will bring almost every WSL match to screens, showcasing the rapidly growing world of women’s football in England. Sky Sports will air a staggering 118 matches each season, with 78 of those games exclusively available on Sky. Meanwhile, the BBC will broadcast 21 matches per season, with 14 shown exclusively on BBC television and seven shared on BBC iPlayer and digital platforms.
With this deal, fans will have more viewing options than ever before. Sky Sports will hold exclusive rights to over 75% of first-choice picks and all the matches from the closing weekend, meaning fans can enjoy the most competitive matchups week in and week out.
BBC’s cross-platform coverage will also help extend the WSL’s reach to a broad audience, with games streamed on radio and online as well as on BBC Sport’s website, app, and social media.
Dana Strong, Sky’s Group CEO, called the new broadcasting deal a “significant moment for women's sport,” emphasising Sky’s role in growing the game and reaching new audiences.
The new deal represents a major financial commitment, reportedly worth around £65 million over five seasons, plus additional production costs. This substantial investment will push total contributions from both broadcasters beyond £100 million, marking a significant increase from the current WSL deal, which is valued at £7-8 million per season.
WPLL say deal is “another step in the right direction”
Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the organisation managing England’s top two women’s leagues, sees this deal as being essential for the WSL's financial stability and long-term success.
“This is another step in the right direction,” said WPLL chief executive Nikki Doucet.
She praised the BBC and Sky for their support of women’s football, stating, “The growth of the game is undeniable,” and emphasising that this deal will continue pushing women’s football forward.
Deal gives Sky Sports option to air games from the Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup
Sky Sports' extended offerings don’t stop at the WSL, as the broadcaster can now air games from the Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup as a result of their new partnership, including the League Cup final.
This expanded scope means Sky will showcase more tiers of women’s football, bringing visibility to leagues beyond the WSL. Sky Sports will also increase its focus on marketing, with enhanced production budgets and dedicated social media content aimed at boosting the sport’s profile.
WSL players get digital rights to share their highlight clips on social media for the first time in professional football
In a unique twist, WSL players will now have digital rights to share their own highlight clips across social media, a first in professional football. This feature is expected to help players grow their individual brands and further engage fans in the digital space.
The WSL now sits at the forefront of a broader trend in women’s sports, where media giants and stakeholders are recognizing the value and growth potential in these leagues. For context, the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League signed a $60 million per-year broadcast deal in 2023 with CBS, Amazon, ESPN, and ION.
With this new partnership, England’s WSL aims to build a similarly strong foundation, hoping to boost financial stability and expand its fanbase.
Fans can look forward to this new chapter in women’s football, which will not only increase access to games but will also contribute to the growth of the sport at all levels. From more live broadcasts to innovative social media outreach, this deal marks a promising step forward in making women’s football a staple in mainstream sports.
