BBC and ITV Secure Exclusive UK Rights to 2027 Women’s World Cup

Football fans across the United Kingdom have reason to celebrate, as the BBC and ITV have joined forces to secure the broadcasting rights for the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, set to take place in brazil.This landmark agreement ensures that every moment of the tournament will be accessible to viewers free of charge, a significant move for the continued growth and popularity of women’s football in the UK.

The co-broadcast arrangement signifies a shared commitment to showcasing the very best of the women’s game. Both broadcasters will divide coverage throughout the group and knockout stages, culminating in a joint broadcast of the final match, promising a unified and dramatic viewing experience for millions.

“Extending our partnership with FIFA alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women’s World Cup remains free-to-air,” stated Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport. “BBC Sport has been a longstanding champion of women’s football, helping to elevate the game to where it is today – a sport experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and reach across BBC Sport platforms. From domestic leagues to major international tournaments, we’ve brought the defining moments to millions across the UK already, including this summer’s Women’s Euro tournament.” The BBC’s comprehensive coverage will span live broadcasts on TV and iPlayer, complemented by dedicated content across their website, radio, and social media channels.

ITV, a consistent supporter of women’s football, will also provide extensive live game coverage via TV and their streaming service, ITVX, supported by a robust social media presence. Significantly,ITV has also secured the rights to all of england’s qualification and amiable matches leading up to the global tournament.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 is sure to be another standout tournament and we look forward to continuing our relationship with both FIFA and the BBC,” commented niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport.

The 32-team tournament is scheduled to kick off on june 24, 2027, with the grand final taking place on July 27, 2027.Reigning champions Spain, who defeated England in the 2023 final, will be looking to defend their title.

This agreement underscores the broadcasters’ dedication to ensuring widespread access to major sporting events and fostering the continued upward trajectory of women’s football viewership in the United Kingdom.

How does the BBC and ITV’s joint broadcast of the 2027 Women’s World Cup differ from previous Women’s World Cup coverage in terms of accessibility for UK viewers?

Free-to-Air Coverage for the 2027 Tournament

Football fans across the UK are in for a treat! The BBC and ITV have confirmed they’ve secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This means every key match will be available to watch free-to-air on terrestrial television,building on the successful partnership established during previous major sporting events. This is a critically important win for accessibility and will undoubtedly boost viewership for the women’s game.

What This Means for UK Viewers

This deal guarantees widespread access to the tournament,removing paywall barriers that can frequently enough limit viewership.Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect:

comprehensive Coverage: Both BBC Sport and ITV will offer extensive coverage across their TV channels, online platforms (BBC iPlayer and ITVX), and potentially radio broadcasts.

Key Match Accessibility: Every key match of the 2027 Women’s World Cup will be broadcast live, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

Continued Partnership: This extends the successful collaboration between the BBC and ITV, previously demonstrated during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and other major championships.

Increased Exposure: Free-to-air broadcasting is expected to significantly increase the exposure of the Women’s World Cup, attracting a wider audience.

Building on Previous Successes: A history of Collaboration

The BBC and ITV have a proven track record of delivering high-quality sports coverage. Their joint broadcasts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup were widely praised for their insightful analysis, engaging commentary, and seamless presentation. This experience will be crucial in ensuring the 2027 Women’s World Cup receives the same level of attention and professionalism.

This partnership isn’t new. Joint broadcasting ventures have become increasingly common for major sporting events, allowing both broadcasters to leverage their resources and reach a larger audience. the benefits are clear:

1. Wider Reach: Combining the audiences of both broadcasters.
2. Reduced Costs: Sharing the financial burden of securing broadcast rights.
3. Enhanced Production Value: Pooling resources for higher-quality broadcasts.

The Growing Popularity of Women’s Football

The securing of free-to-air coverage reflects the rapidly growing popularity of women’s football.Recent tournaments,like the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 (won by England),have shattered viewership records and captured the nation’s attention.

Record-Breaking Viewership: The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final attracted a peak audience of 17.4 million viewers in the UK.

Increased Participation: Grassroots participation in women’s football is also on the rise, with more girls and women taking up the sport.

Growing Commercial Interest: Sponsorship and investment in women’s football are increasing, further fueling its growth.

What to Expect in the Lead-Up to 2027

While the tournament is still a couple of years away, fans can anticipate a build-up of exciting content from both the BBC and ITV.This will likely include:

Player Profiles: In-depth features on the stars of the women’s game.

Team Previews: Analysis of the competing nations and their chances of success.

Documentaries: Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of women’s football.

Regular Updates: News and analysis on the qualifying campaigns and preparations for the tournament.

Key Search terms & Related queries

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2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup host nation (currently unconfirmed as of July 28, 2025)