German sports network Sportdigital has secured the broadcast rights to the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), significantly expanding its football coverage. The deal encompasses what is widely considered the world's premier women's football league.
Coverage commences on Saturday, September 27th, with a live broadcast of Arsenal versus Aston Villa on the pay-TV channel Sportdigital1+ at 12:55 CEST. The channel plans to air at least three matches from each round, including key fixtures like Liverpool versus Manchester United (Sunday, 12:55 CEST) and West Ham United versus Chelsea (Sunday, 15:25 CEST). All matches will be available with German-language commentary.
The WSL boasts leading clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United, attracting numerous international stars and significant crowds. Familiar names for German fans include Sydney Lohmann (Manchester City), Rebecca Knaak, and Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea). Other prominent players include Sam Kerr, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly.
This acquisition extends beyond the main WSL; Sportdigital also secured rights to the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (second division) and the Women’s League Cup. “The recent European Championship in Switzerland has once again underlined the importance and quality that women’s football has achieved. We are therefore delighted to be able to broadcast the best women’s league on Sportdigital and to attract new fans and audiences for the women’s game,” stated Gisbert Wundram, managing director of Sportdigital.