BBC and ITV to Broadcast 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in UK

BREAKING: Women’s World Cup Set for Free-to-Air UK Broadcast; ITV and BBC secure Shared Rights

LONDON – In a notable boost for women’s football in the United Kingdom, both ITV and BBC have secured shared broadcast rights for the 2027 FIFA women’s World Cup, ensuring the tournament remains accessible to all via terrestrial television. This advancement strengthens the protected broadcast status for women’s major tournaments, now aligning with the men’s equivalent.

ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, expressed his delight, stating, “ITV is proud to play a key role in supporting the tremendous growth of women’s football in the UK. ITV Sport is the home of the Lionesses, and it’s vital we ensure tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 remains free-to-air for generations of football fans to enjoy, with support of the game at an all-time high.”

Sloane highlighted the growing viewership for women’s football, referencing the Lionesses’ Euro semi-final victory over Italy, wich captivated over ten million viewers at its peak. “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,” he added.

This commitment to free-to-air coverage underscores the increasing popularity and importance of women’s football.The shared rights agreement with FIFA, coupled with ITV’s extended England Women’s contract until the end of the 2028-29 season, signifies a long-term investment in the sport’s development and accessibility. Fans can anticipate thrilling action from the 2027 tournament, scheduled to take place between June 24 and July 25. The tournament will be followed by the USA hosting in 2031, with the UK set to host in 2035.

Evergreen Insight: The decision to keep the FIFA Women’s World Cup free-to-air on terrestrial television is a critical factor in its continued growth. By ensuring widespread accessibility, broadcasters not only serve existing fans but also cultivate new audiences, fostering a deeper engagement with women’s football across the nation. This model recognizes the tournament’s cultural meaning and its power to inspire future generations. The continued partnership between major broadcasters and governing bodies like FIFA is essential for the sustained development and visibility of women’s sports, setting a precedent for equitable coverage and fan access.

What factors contributed to the BBC and ITV securing the broadcasting rights for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup?

Securing Free-to-Air Coverage for the 2027 tournament

The BBC and ITV have jointly secured the broadcasting rights for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United Kingdom. This landmark deal guarantees that fans across the nation will have free-to-air access to all matches from the prestigious tournament. The proclamation, made earlier today, has been met with widespread approval from football enthusiasts and advocates for women’s sport. This continues a trend of increased visibility for women’s football,building on the success of previous tournaments.

What This Means for UK Football Fans

This partnership ensures thorough coverage across both television and digital platforms. Viewers can expect:

Live Match Broadcasts: All 64 matches of the 2027 FIFA women’s World Cup will be broadcast live on BBC and ITV channels.

Digital Streaming: Extensive coverage will also be available via BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and potentially dedicated tournament apps.

Highlights and Analysis: Both broadcasters are expected to provide in-depth highlights packages, pre- and post-match analysis, and expert commentary.

Increased Accessibility: Free-to-air coverage removes financial barriers, allowing a wider audience to engage with the tournament.

This is a meaningful win for accessibility, particularly as interest in the FIFA Women’s World cup continues to surge globally. The 2023 tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, broke viewership records, demonstrating the growing appetite for women’s football.

The Importance of Free-to-Air Broadcasting

The decision to prioritize free-to-air broadcasting is crucial for several reasons:

Growing the fanbase: Wider accessibility is key to attracting new fans and fostering a long-term,sustainable fanbase for women’s football.

Role Models and Inspiration: Increased visibility provides young girls with inspiring role models and encourages participation in the sport.

Commercial Opportunities: A larger audience translates to greater commercial opportunities for sponsors and partners.

National Pride: Showcasing the Women’s World Cup on national broadcasters fosters a sense of national pride and support for the England team.

Previous Broadcasting Deals & Trends

Historically, major football tournaments have often been split between free-to-air and subscription broadcasters.Though, there’s a growing recognition of the public service benefit of making key sporting events accessible to all.

2022 FIFA World cup (Men’s): BBC and ITV shared broadcasting rights.

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022: BBC provided extensive coverage, contributing to record-breaking viewership figures.

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: While not entirely free-to-air in the UK, significant matches were shown on BBC One and ITV.

This trend suggests a shift towards prioritizing accessibility for women’s sporting events, recognizing their cultural and social importance.The FIFA Women’s World Cup broadcast rights are increasingly seen as a valuable asset for broadcasters looking to engage a diverse audience.

Host Nation & Potential Impact on Viewership

While the host nation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup hasn’t been announced yet, the location will undoubtedly influence viewership numbers. A tournament held in a time zone more aligned with the UK is highly likely to attract a larger audience. The success of the Lionesses at recent tournaments, including winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, has significantly boosted interest in the England Women’s National Football team. This momentum is expected to continue,driving even higher viewership for the 2027 tournament.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Football Coverage

The BBC and ITV’s commitment to broadcasting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a positive step towards greater equity in sports coverage. It signals a growing recognition of the value and importance of women’s football. Further investment in grassroots football, player growth, and media representation will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and ensuring a shining future for the sport. The Women’s World Cup schedule* and match details will be eagerly anticipated as the tournament draws closer.