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BBC Women's Football Football

BBC picks up broadcast rights to women's football Super League tournament

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By Tony Connelly, Sports Marketing Reporter

April 17, 2017 | 3 min read

The BBC has added to its women's sports coverage after acquiring the broadcast rights to the Women's Super League One, a one-off transitional football tournament ahead of the league’s switch from a summer to winter calendar for the 2017/18 season.

Women's Super League One

The BBC will show games live on its digital platform in addition to broadcasting a highlights show on BBC2

As part of the agreement the BBC will provide coverage across TV, radio and online when the competition kicks-off later this month.

A total of 20 games will be shown live on the BBC's digital platforms, while BBC2 will broadcast a highlights programme called The Women's Football Show.

"It's a really positive step that the BBC are streaming FA WSL games for the first time," said FA head of women's leagues and competitions, Katie Brazier.

In addition to the BBC's coverage clubs will also be allowed to stream their games through their own digital platforms.

Brazier confirmed that clubs would " have more opportunities to stream their games through their own channels".

She added: "It demonstrates that the domestic women's game is in a really healthy place and we're looking forward to a season of great football and big crowds."

BT Sport will also broadcast some of the Spring Series matches on TV including the game between last season's champions Manchester City and runners-up Chelsea on 25 May.

Having coverage on a free-to-air platform will come as a boost for women's football ahead of this summer's women's Euro 2017 tournament in the Netherlands. England and Chelsea footballer Eniola Aluko has previously highlighted the need for women's football to be shown for free in order to help grow the sport more effectively.

BBC Women's Football Football

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