WSL Must Get More Competitive for Media Success


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As I’ve written before, women’s football in the UK is growing as a media proposition. It’s why a mega new deal was announced recently. There is no doubt that the BBC and Sky have been drawn in by both the Lionesses phenomenon and the growing quality of the teams at the top of the Women’s Super League. However, to maintain media interest and the money that comes from that, the gap between the best and the rest in the WSL needs to get smaller. Fast.

I spoke about this with LBC News host David Domb last weekend.

Arsenal were the pioneers, investing in women’s football long before anyone else in the UK. Chelsea, with their five consecutive league titles, are without doubt the standout English team at the moment. Manchester City are very strong too, with neighbours United not far behind.

Featuring England stars like Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Lauren James and Ella Toone, these teams will always draw in a TV crowd. At least to a point. It isn’t that exciting to tune in if you know they are going to wallop the opposition most weeks.

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Charlotte Henry is a journalist and broadcaster who creates and runs The Addition newsletter and podcast; an award-winning publication looking at the crossover between media and technology.

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