The UEFA Women’s Champions League has signed a ground-breaking broadcast rights deal, that will see the elite competition streamed around the world over the next four years, with many of the games available to watch for free.
Sports streaming platform DANZN has partnered with YouTube, and been awarded the broadcasting rights for the competition, marking the first time the UEFA will centralise all Women’s Champions League matches globally.
The deal is expected to bring visibility to the league in countries that otherwise would not have access to matches. For the first two seasons (2021-23), all 61 matches will be available live on DAZN and for free on the DAZN’s new YouTube channel. In 2023-25, 19 matches will be made free on YouTube, with the others available on DAZN.
Matildas star Caitlin Foord, who also plays for English club Arsenal, said the new broadcasting agreement is a huge deal for the women’s game globally and will give the competition more visibility.
“It’s always been a struggle to find a live stream to watch champions league games, along with every women’s club games internationally,” Foord told Women’s Agenda.
“Knowing exactly where you can access it to watch live no matter where you are in the world, it’s a real game changer.”
Foord said having access to the games for free in different parts of the world will give fans the opportunity to connect with the game.
“I think this increase of exposure for the women’s game will result in more people getting the chance to see so many amazing games and players on a regular basis,” she said.
“Continuing to build the women’s games will benefit the players as it will give them exposure, which means more audiences and more opportunities. This will also benefit the next generation to watch and be inspired, as well as give the fans, family and friends the opportunity to support from afar.”
Foord, who has been selected as part of Australia’s Olympic team heading to Tokyo in July, said she is excited to be back with her Matildas teammates. She also has her eyes set on an Olympic medal.
“It feels really good to be back with the girls!” she said. “After missing a year of not playing together in 2020 it’s been nice to be back making up for a lot of lost time. It has been really important for our lead up and preparations into Tokyo.”
“Our last Olympic campaign, we were left disappointed and we don’t want to feel like that again. Winning an Olympic medal has always been a childhood dream of mine, so I’m most looking forward to another opportunity at making that dream come true.”