WPLL agree new five-year WSL broadcast deal with Sky and the BBC | OneFootball

The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) have agreed a new five-year deal with Sky and the BBC for the Barclays Women’s Super League’s broadcast rights.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from the WPLL this afternoon.

The deal is said to be the most significant ever for broadcast rights in the women’s professional game.

It has been reported that Sky will show up to 118 live matches with 78 of those fixtures shown exclusively across Sky and Sky Sports channels. The new partnership also gives Sky the option to show matches from the Barclays Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the final, for the first time.

The BBC will broadcast 21 live matches with 14 matches of those games being shown on their mainstream channels.

Speaking after the deal was announced, Nikki Doucet, CEO of the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited said “Agreeing the next cycle of broadcast rights was a priority for us and we are very fortunate to have two premium broadcast partners in Sky and the BBC who believe in the future and value of women’s football as much as we do.

“The growth of the game is undeniable and this deal is another step in the right direction and positive news for the fans, the players and the clubs. Sky and the BBC are long-time backers and their contribution to the growth of the women’s game should not go without recognition.

“They provide excellent visibility coupled with first-class production values and we look forward to building on our partnership over the coming years.”

The agreement is one of the biggest moves made by the WPLL so far since their takeover of the women’s professional leagues was completed earlier this autumn.