Every Women’s Championship Match to Be Streamed Live on YouTube
Starting next season, fans will have unprecedented access to the Women’s Championship, with every match set to be streamed live on the league’s YouTube channel.
A Revolution in Coverage
This move represents a significant leap forward for the second tier of women’s football in England. Currently, only one match per gameweek is typically shown live. The new arrangement will see that number increase six-fold, providing a platform for every club and player to reach a wider audience.
“This is fantastic news for the Women’s Championship,” said [Quote from a league official]. “Increased visibility is crucial for the growth and development of the league, and this will undoubtedly captivate new fans while offering existing supporters even more opportunities to follow their teams.”
Enhanced Production Quality
The enhanced coverage doesn’t stop at simply streaming more games. Sources indicate that the production quality of Championship matches will also see a boost.
At least two cameras will be used for each game, providing viewers with multiple angles and a more dynamic viewing experience. This is a step up from the current single-camera coverage, further enhancing the professionalism and appeal of the league.
Sky Sports and Free-to-Air Access
Sky Sports will retain the right to select Championship fixtures for live broadcast if they wish, though any games chosen by Sky will also be streamed on YouTube. This strategy ensures that, regardless of broadcast selections, all 132 matches in the Championship season will be available live and free-to-air.
TheRise of YouTube for Women’s Football
This announcement reflects a growing trend of using YouTube as a primary platform for broadcasting women’s football. Earlier this season, the Football Association (FA) shifted all WSL matches not selected by Sky Sports or the BBC to YouTube. This move has resulted in a threefold increase in online viewing figures for the Women’s Super League.
“Triple the amount of eyeballs on women’s football”? That’s exactly what we need!”!
The largest audience for a WSL game on YouTube this season was Manchester United’s away victory at Leicester City on November 17. That match drew over 271,000 live viewers. By comparison, the highest viewing figure on the FA Player platform last season was 78,050 for Arsenal’s match against Bristol City.
A Catalyst for Growth
The shift towards YouTube for Women’s Championship matches is expected to have a significant impact on the league’s growth. Increased accessibility and a wider reach will attract new fans, sponsors, and investment, contributing to the continued development of women’s football in England.
