WSL TV times set for a shakeup in the upcoming 2025/26 season, Tom Garry at The Guardian reported. Most fixtures are going to be moved to kick-off at midday on Sunday.
Traditionally, the majority of WSL matches have been scheduled for 2pm on Sunday afternoons but there is believed to be a desire to switch most live games to midday to create a regular slot and develop an “around the grounds” narrative during matches, akin to the feel of a Saturday 3pm fixture list in English men’s football.
This seems a good move, given how popular shows like Soccer Saturday are. There may be more games on Friday evenings, too, per the article.
The Saturday 3pm blackout remains. However, the 6.45 pm on a Sunday slot, which had a hugely detrimental effect on ticket sales, is to be scrapped. One insider at a WSL club said that this change was “the main thing everyone wanted.” They added that “it’s positive Sky Sports are throwing so much at the broadcast output.” These are views echoed elsewhere.
WSL TV Times May Help Crowds and Clashes
I reported on a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 6.45pm slot. It was the lowest WSL attendance I can recall there. Nobody wants games on TV when there is noone in the crowd. It’s bad for the clubs, the players and for the overall product. Hopefully, these TV time changes will reduce the number of clashes between the men’s and women’s teams from the same club too. Premier League games take place at 2pm and 4.30pm on a Sunday. Having WSL games at 2pm on Sunday too inevitably led to scheduling conflicts.
As well as changes to WSL TV times, there are set to be more story lines these season. For the first time, two teams will be relegated to the newly named WSL2, as the top tier works towards expansion. This means there should be more jeopardy throughout the season, another reason to try and generate that “around the grounds” sensibility.
After yet another tournament in which England’s Lionesses have made it to the final, there is a real sense that this is a big moment for the women’s game in England. There appears to be a genuine determination from all involved to ensure the opportunity is not lost.
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