BBC Secures Exclusive Broadcast Rights for Women’s Champions League

Sport has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the UEFA Women's Champions League in the UK through 2029, expanding access to the tournament for fans.">
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BBC Sport Lands Exclusive UK Rights for UEFA Women’s Champions League

London, United Kingdom – October 2, 2025 – In a landmark deal for women’s sports broadcasting, BBC Sport has secured exclusive United kingdom free-to-air rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.This thorough agreement, spanning five years until 2029, promises expanded coverage and accessibility for fans across the nation.

Expanded Coverage and Accessibility

The new arrangement will bring up to seven live matches each season to viewers through BBC Television, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. This includes crucial matches such as the tournament final, both legs of one semi-final tie, and a selection of four earlier-stage contests.The initiative aligns with growing global viewership of women’s football, which saw a 31% increase in attendance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, according to FIFA reports.

Upcoming Featured Matches

The broadcast schedule kicks off on November 12th with a compelling clash between Manchester United and Paris St-Germain. This will be followed by another high-profile encounter on November 20th,featuring Chelsea against Barcelona.These matches represent an early showcase of the quality and excitement fans can expect throughout the tournament.

Digital Expansion and Multi-Platform Access

Beyond live television broadcasts, the partnership will deliver extensive digital coverage. Highlights from every match in the competition will be readily available on the BBC sport website,app,and various social media platforms. Furthermore, BBC Radio 5 Live will continue to provide live commentary for key games, enhancing the overall fan experience.

Did You Know? The UEFA Women’s Champions League was established in 2001, and its popularity has consistently grown, mirroring the increasing prominence of women’s football worldwide.

Official Statements

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating that bringing the UEFA Women’s Champions League to a free-to-air audience is a ‘game-changing’ moment. He highlighted the importance of their multi-platform strategy, ensuring fans have access to the best moments, goals, and highlights across multiple channels.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UC3 Co-Managing Director, expressed delight in partnering with the BBC, recognizing the broadcaster’s free-to-air and digital-first approach as pivotal in expanding the competition’s accessibility and engagement among UK fans.

Feature	Details
Agreement Duration	5 years (until 2029)
Live Matches Per Season	Up to 7
Platforms	BBC TV,BBC iPlayer,BBC Sport Website/App,BBC Radio 5 Live
key Matches Included	final,Semi-Final (both legs),Select Earlier Matches

the Growth of Women’s Football

The increasing popularity of women’s football is a global phenomenon. investment in the sport has grown substantially in recent years, leading to improved player advancement, increased media coverage, and greater fan engagement. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating further increases in viewership and participation over the next decade. The BBC’s commitment to broadcasting the UEFA Women’s Champions League is a key part of this growth trajectory.

Pro Tip: Stay up-to-date on the latest women’s football news and scores by following official UEFA and BBC Sport channels on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the UEFA Women’s Champions League? It is an annual club football competition for women’s teams, contested by top clubs from across Europe.
• where can I watch the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the UK? Through BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC sport website and app.
• How many matches will be broadcast live each season? Up to seven matches will be broadcast live each season.
• Will there be digital coverage of the tournament? Yes, highlights will be available on the BBC Sport website, app, and social media channels.
• When does the BBC’s coverage begin? The first match to be shown will be manchester United versus Paris St-Germain on November 12th.

What are your predictions for this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League? Share your thoughts and engage in the conversation below!

What impact could the BBC’s exclusive coverage have on attracting sponsorship for the Women’s Champions League?

The Landmark Deal: Expanding Women’s Football Coverage

The BBC has announced a significant multi-year deal securing exclusive broadcast rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the United Kingdom. This agreement, commencing with the 2024/2025 season and extending through 2028/2029, marks a pivotal moment for women’s football visibility and accessibility. Previously shared with other broadcasters, the BBC will now be the primary home for live matches, highlights, and related content. This includes coverage across BBC TV,BBC iPlayer,BBC Sport website and app,and BBC Sounds.

what This Means for Fans: Viewing Options & Accessibility

This exclusive deal translates to more comprehensive coverage for fans of the Women’s Champions League. Here’s a breakdown of how you can watch:

* Live Matches: A significant number of matches will be broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC Three.

* BBC iPlayer: All matches will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer, offering on-demand access.

* Digital Platforms: Highlights, clips, and full match replays will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.

* Radio Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will provide live commentary and analysis.

* Free-to-Air Access: Crucially,the coverage remains free-to-air,ensuring maximum reach and accessibility for all football fans.

Key Teams & Players to Watch in the 2025 Season

The Women’s Champions League consistently showcases some of the world’s most talented players. Here are some key teams and individuals to keep an eye on during the 2025 season:

* Olympique Lyonnais Féminin: Historically dominant, lyon remains a powerhouse in European women’s football.

* FC Barcelona Femení: Featuring stars like Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona consistently challenges for the title.

* Chelsea FC Women: A strong contender with a growing international presence.

* Bayern Munich Frauen: A rising force in the competition, boasting a talented squad.

* Paris Saint-Germain Féminaires: Regularly competing at the highest level with significant investment.

The Impact on Women’s Football Growth

the BBC’s commitment to exclusive coverage is expected to have a considerable positive impact on the growth of women’s football.

* Increased Visibility: Greater exposure on a mainstream broadcaster like the BBC will introduce the Women’s Champions League to a wider audience.

* Sponsorship Opportunities: Increased viewership attracts more sponsors, leading to greater financial investment in the game.

* Role Models & Inspiration: Showcasing elite female athletes inspires the next generation of players and fans.

* Professionalization of the League: Enhanced media coverage contributes to the overall professionalization of the Women’s Champions League.

Ancient Context: Previous Broadcast Deals

Prior to the BBC’s exclusive agreement, rights for the Women’s Champions League were shared amongst various broadcasters, including BT Sport and DAZN. While these platforms provided coverage, the fragmented nature of the broadcasting landscape limited overall reach. The BBC’s decision to take exclusive rights signifies a strategic shift towards prioritizing women’s sports coverage. In 2019,the UEFA launched a dedicated marketing campaign to increase the visibility of the competition,and this BBC deal builds on that momentum.

The BBC’s Wider Commitment to Women’s Sport

This deal isn’t an isolated event.The BBC has been steadily increasing its investment in women’s sports coverage across various disciplines, including football, cricket, rugby, and athletics. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of achieving gender equality in sports broadcasting and providing equal opportunities for female athletes. The BBC’s “Unleash Our Potential” campaign, launched in 2021, directly addresses this aim.

how to Stay Updated: resources & Links

* BBC Sport Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport – For news,scores,and highlights.

* **UEFA