Saturday, May 16, 2026

Sky’s Historical TV Deal for Women’s Soccer

Barclays FA WSL/Design: Alex Brooks

Comcast’s Sky Sports and the BBC signed a broadcast deal with the Football Association’s Women’s Super League to air on free network TV for the first time in history.

Running for three years starting in the 2021-2022 season, it will be the biggest broadcast deal of any professional women’s soccer league, with 44 matches broadcast each season. The WSL — U.K. women’s flagship domestic league — currently has 12 teams.

The deal is worth “around £8m a season,” according to The Guardian, which is a little more than $11 million.

  • Some money will go toward central investments, including referee development.
  • The rest will be split among clubs — the WSL will receive 75%, and the Championship will receive 25%.

“We will be giving the Barclays FA Women’s Super League the full Sky Sports treatment, with lengthy buildups and reaction to all live matches, plus a daily narrative of the league across Sky Sports News and our digital platforms,” said managing director of Sky Sports Rob Webster.

Kathryn Swarbrick, FA director of commercial and marketing, noted that they want to work with Sky “on what they do best … driving awareness of the WSL, building a profile of the players, of the clubs, and also creating the kind of content that will excite fans.”

Sky has seen success broadcasting men’s games, including the Premier League — the richest in Europe. Sales topped $7 billion in the 2018-2019 seasons, and Sky is hoping to see the same for women.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Jul 27, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Wrexham AFC defender Max Cleworth (4) goes up for a header against Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the second half at BC Place.

Wrexham Welcomes Private-Capital Giant Apollo As Minority Owner

It’s the PE firm’s second soccer investment since launching Apollo Sports Capital.
Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) poses for a television camera after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium.

Fubo-NBCUniversal Is Latest Carriage Dispute to Hit Subscribers

NBCUniversal channels are now gone from the streaming-based service.

Arsenal Drops Rwanda As Sponsor but Clippers, Rams Deals Remain

The Clippers and Rams have similar sponsorship deals. 

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
Taylor Zarzour

3 Questions With the New Radio Voice of the Masters

Taylor Zarzour is filling in for Mike Tirico on SiriusXM this year.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL insider reporter
April 2, 2026

How Ian Rapoport, Daniel Jeremiah Fit in ESPN’s Plans

ESPN has high hopes for two of NFL Network’s biggest stars.
Oct 4, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; ESPN college basketball analyst Sean Farnham emcees during Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel at the McCarthey Athletic Center
April 3, 2026

ESPN Making Wooden Award Ceremony More Like Heisman

This year’s award winner will be revealed live in Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
exclusive
April 2, 2026

Jones, Medcalf Leaders to Replace Clinton Yates on ESPN Radio

Jones and Medcalf currently host a Sunday morning ESPN Radio show.
April 2, 2026

MLB’s Deals With Netflix and NBC Off to Strong Ratings Start

The audience figure formed part of a big opening week for the league. 
April 2, 2026

Amazon Drags the Masters Into the Streaming Era

Prime Video’s coverage means more streaming, viewing hours, and on-air talent.
April 1, 2026

McAfee: Masters ‘Told Us to Go to Hell’ on Show Pitch—Three Times

McAfee is a fan of Jason Kelce’s role at Augusta National.