This weekend saw the Women’s Super League (WSL), the top tier of women’s football in the UK, recommence. With it, the new media deal kicked in. A reminder – that means 118 games on Sky Sports, with others available for free via the BBC and YouTube.
There is plenty that is good about the wide-ranging and increasingly slick coverage of WSL matches. West Ham played Spurs on Sunday, and Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner said that the coverage is “obviously growing in a really good way to try and help to grow the game.”
Bethany England was also positive. “I’ve been in this league since I was 16. I’m 31 years old now. I have seen a lot of things in my time,” the Spurs captain said. She added that there were “a lot more teams producing much better performances and crowds.” It echoes comments from the cricketers I reported last week.
Skinner also noted the positive impact the Lionesses’ success in the summer will have had on media coverage. That is true. Last season saw a 35% drop-off in viewership due, in no small part, to the lack of an international tournament during the summer. To build on this summer and avoid another decline, the broadcasters need to show they are taking things seriously. That is not necessarily happening.
WSL In-Games Interviews Should be Scrapped
One big change to the coverage for this season is in-game interviews with managers and off-field players. It’s happening in the men’s game too and is just an appalling addition.
Clearly, the clubs in the WSL understand the need to play nicely with the broadcasters. They are cooperating and have had some success in getting improvements, not least in getting the awful 6pm Sunday kick-off time removed. While there seems to be an expectation of some flexibility on both sides, it’s hard to imagine anyone not at one of the broadcasters thinking these interviews are a good idea. They are not fair to players and staff, and offer little to fans.
On Saturday, London City Lionesses’ manager Jocelyn Prêcheur had the indignity of doing one while the game was still being played. It lasted mere seconds and provided little insight. England skipper Leah Williamson, who is out injured for Arsenal, was also on duty. It’s not like cricket or baseball, where you have player mics – those are much longer games with far bigger breaks in play.
Those involved in the WSL are elite athletes and coaches. Too often, the coverage is patronising. These in-match interviews, alongside the often uncritical nature of the coverage, only add to that and it needs to change. Improving coverage will help improve women’s sport.
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