UK public service broadcaster (PSB) the BBC has secured exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights to the Uefa Women’s Champions League (UWCL) through to 2030.
Contract:
- BBC to show up to seven live games each season on linear television and on BBC iPlayer
- Deal includes the final, both legs of one semi-final and four games earlier in the competition
- Highlights will also be shared on BBC Sport social media channels, website and app
Context:
The agreement expands the BBC’s women’s soccer coverage, with the UK PSB already broadcasting the Women’s Super League (WSL). It will also share the rights to the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup with fellow FTA broadcaster ITV.
It marks the latest FTA rights agreement made by Uefa for the UWCL, following a five-year deal with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The pact grants rights for the elite women’s club competition in 24 territories, with 26 members set to broadcast games. Disney+ holds the rights to all UWCL games as part of a pan-European five-year deal, taking over from DAZN.
The UWCL will debut a new structure this season, introducing an 18-club league phase. It will also feature a refreshed brand identity to complement the revamped format.
Comment:
“This is a great moment for women’s football and for BBC Sport,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport. “Bringing the Uefa Women’s Champions League to a free-to-air audience is huge, but what makes this truly game-changing is our digital offering.
“Our multi-platform strategy means fans won’t just watch the biggest games live on TV, they’ll experience the best moments, goals, and highlights across our website, app, and social media platforms. We’re making the competition more accessible, more visible, and more connected than ever before.”
“We’re delighted to partner with the BBC to bring the Uefa Women’s Champions League to a wider audience,” added Guy-Laurent Epstein, co-managing director of UC3, the joint venture between Uefa and the European Club Association (ECA).
“Their free-to-air and digital-first approach will play a key role in making the competition more accessible and engaging for fans across the UK.”
Coming next:
The UWCL league phase commences on 7th October. As part of its deal, the first match to be aired by the BBC will be Manchester United’s home game against Paris Saint-Germain on 12th November.
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