NYON, Switzerland (AP) – The Women’s Champions League in European soccer is set to transition predominantly behind a paywall for the upcoming five seasons, thanks to a new streaming deal with Disney+. This arrangement, announced by UEFA's joint venture with leading clubs on Friday, marks a significant change from the previous agreements that allowed fans to watch games for free on platforms like DAZN and YouTube.
The final match, scheduled for Saturday, features the defending champion Barcelona taking on Arsenal in Lisbon. This showdown will close out a four-year broadcast deal that has prioritized accessibility for fans.
Next season, the Women’s Champions League will expand from 16 teams to 18, altering its format to a single league standings leading into the knockout stage, rather than proceeding through group phases. Additionally, a second-tier Women’s Europa Cup will be introduced, marking a significant step for women’s soccer in Europe.
According to UC3, the commercial partnership formed between UEFA and the European Club Association, the five-year agreement ensures that all 75 matches in the newly expanded Champions League will be available to Disney+ subscribers in Europe at no extra cost. This move aims to enhance the visibility and reach of women's soccer within the continent.
Broadcast production will be managed by ESPN, a subsidiary of Disney, and will feature multilingual commentary along with extensive pre- and post-match programming. This comprehensive coverage is expected to attract a larger audience and increase engagement with the sport.
The broadcast strategy for the years leading up to 2030 will include provisions for airing one game per match week on select free-to-air networks, as well as through the European Broadcasting Union. Selected matches will also be shown in key markets including France, Germany, and Spain, allowing for a blend of paid and free access to ensure broader viewership.
While specific financial figures regarding the Disney+ and EBU deals were not disclosed, UEFA has projected total “competition revenues” of 33.8 million euros (approximately $38.4 million) for the coming season. This financial model also includes a considerable subsidy of 25 million euros (about $28.4 million) derived from men’s competitions, including the prestigious UEFA Champions League. Additionally, UEFA is contributing more than 11 million euros (around $12.5 million) to support the women's competitions.
After accounting for operational expenses, this financial backing will yield a total prize money fund of 18.2 million euros (about $20.6 million) that will be distributed among the 18 Women’s Champions League teams over the next two seasons. Furthermore, teams participating in the newly established Women’s Europa Cup will share a total prize money fund of 5.6 million euros (approximately $6.4 million).
As women’s soccer continues to grow in popularity and relevance, these developments signify a pivotal moment for the sport, with increased investment, visibility, and fan engagement on the horizon.
