- WSL figures for games streamed online has more than trebled
- On FA Player – the former streaming site for WSL matches – the highest viewership for a match was 78,050
- On YouTube, more than a quarter of a million tuned in for Leicester vs Arsenal last month
- So far, the cumulative total of live views on WSL games on YouTube after three game-weeks has already reached 1,576,848, excluding viewers who replayed the match after it was live
WSL viewing figures soar after switch to YouTube
WSL Viewership Soars: YouTube Magic in Full Effect!
Hold onto your scarves, football fans—there’s a new star in town, and it’s not on the pitch but in the streaming world! The Women’s Super League (WSL) is experiencing a phenomenal surge in viewership for the 2024-25 season, and the secret sauce? A glorious switch from the outdated FA Player to the ever-popular YouTube!
Let’s face it: the FA Player was about as reliable as a wet paper towel. Sure, it was free, but signing up was a hassle, and streams cutting out was an all-too-common nightmare. Remember Arsenal vs. Bristol City last season? It set a record for the FA Player with 78,050 views—a solid number but a far cry from what’s happening now!
Fast forward to last month, where Leicester and Arsenal’s showdown on YouTube smashed records with over 250,000 live viewers! That’s more than a quarter of a million fans glued to their screens for a non-televised match. Incredible!
In just three game weeks, the total live views on YouTube for WSL games have rocketed to 1,576,848—and that doesn’t even include all the folks catching up later. Highlights? Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Everton racked up 148,000 live views, while Man Utd’s season opener against West Ham attracted a whopping 184,400 live viewers and added another 20,000 on replay!
But it’s not just the top tier basking in the spotlight. The Women’s Championship is also getting its moment in the sun with matches streaming on YouTube. London City Lionesses and Newcastle kicked things off with a record 46,050 live views.
And for those wondering about the future, the current TV deal with Sky and BBC has been extended for another season as discussions for a longer-term rights deal continue. So buckle up, because the WSL is just getting started—and we can’t wait to see where this thrilling ride takes us next!
Women’s Super League TV rights 2024/25
Sky Sports and BBC share the live broadcasting rights for the Women’s Super League in 2024/25, with games also set to be shown on YouTube.
Sky Sports will show up to 44 live matches in 2024/25. The service can be added to any Sky TV package for just £22 per month for all nine sports channels, or you can pick up the complete sports package plus Netflix for £43 per month.
NOW is essentially Sky Sports without a contract. You can buy a day membership (£14.99) or month membership (£34.99).
BBC boast the rights to show 22 live matches across their platforms this season.
All other games not shown on Sky Sports or BBC will be aired live and free on YouTube.