DAZN and YouTube come together to stream Women’s Champions League

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Sports streaming platform DAZN have announced a new four-year global broadcasting partnership with YouTube which will see the UEFA Women’s Champions League taken to new heights from season 2021/22.

In a unique first for the competition, the deal will greatly increase exposure to women’s football as the UEFA Women’s Champions League introduces an inaugural 16-team group stage. For supporters, this will ensure unprecedented access to one of the fastest-growing football competitions around the world.

During the first two seasons (2021/22 and 2022/23), fans will be able to watch all 61 matches live and on demand from the group stage onward. This will be shown on DAZN, and free on their YouTube channel. For the following two seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25), all 61 matches will be shown live on DAZN, while 19 matches will be free to view on the YouTube channel.

The multi-year deal grants DAZN exclusive rights worldwide, with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – where rights include clips and highlights – as well as China.

The agreement signifies another game-changing move in UEFA’s and its partners’ global commitment to women’s sport. It is one of the largest broadcast deals in women’s club football history.

“Two years ago, when we launched UEFA’s first ever women’s football strategy, ‘Time for Action’, we promised action that will lead to a greater, more professional and more prosperous game by 2024. Several initiatives have since followed and this summer is a giant leap in that direction,” UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said.

“We are delighted to announce the start of a four-year global partnership with DAZN and YouTube. For the first two seasons, fans around the world can access and watch for free all matches, enabling fans to follow the competition and the very best players in the world. There is no better way to inspire future generations of young girls and boys to play football. Women’s football is here to stay and will only grow stronger.”

The partnership follows UEFA’s decision to create a new format for the Women’s Champions League, with the new group stage accompanied by centralised media and sponsorship rights, which will lead to a significant increase of revenues. This has built the foundation for the recently announced pioneering financial distribution model, where $38.7m will be spread throughout women’s football in Europe.

“This deal is a first for women’s football as this partnership between UEFA and DAZN and YouTube will make sure that the UEFA Women’s Champions League can be seen by the fans, by all the people who love this game, wherever they are on the globe,” UEFA chief of women’s football Nadine Kessler said.

“Such visibility changes everything, as the best female players and best women’s teams in the world can inspire more young girls and boys to fall in love with this sport. Together, we are all bringing women’s football to the world and everyone who will tune in will truly make a difference to something bigger.”

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Female Football Week kicks off across Northern NSW

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Female Football Week has officially begun across Northern NSW, with a program of gala days, networking events and awards ceremonies running until Sunday May 17, marking a ten-day celebration that organisers say reflects both the growth of women’s football in the region and the work still required to sustain it.

The national initiative, now a fixture on the football calendar, provides a dedicated period of visibility for female participants across all levels of the game from players, coaches, referees to volunteers, whose contributions have historically received less recognition than their male counterparts.

NNSWF Participation and Women’s Football Officer Serena Carter said the week offered something for everyone connected to women’s football in the region.

“Female Football Week provides a fantastic chance to highlight the dedication and skill of female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the northern NSW community,” Carter said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from grassroots participants to elite competitors.”

Women’s football in northern NSW spans remote and regional communities where clubs operate on limited resources, alongside more established metropolitan programs with clearer development pathways. Female Football Week creates a moment of shared recognition across that spectrum and acknowledges the role volunteers play, from running the canteen to progressing through the pathway.

Northern NSW Football has recorded some of its strongest participation numbers in women’s and girls’ football in recent seasons, a trend that has placed increasing pressure on clubs and facilities to keep pace. The week’s events offer clubs an opportunity to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion at a time when that commitment is being tested by growth.

Female Referee Mentor Program backed by Football Australia

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Image credit: Football Australia

Football Australia (FA) launched the program last week, aiming to champion the next generation of female referees through connections with experienced officials.

Investing in the future

Backed with investment from the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ grant, FA’s Ref Our Game framework will pair future referees with current and former A-League officials.

Through one-on-one mentorship, development opportunities and a network of experienced professionals, aspiring female referees will have unique insights into match officiating.

“Football Australia has always been a leader in inclusion, setting a global standard for female leadership and development,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via press release.

“This program reflects a strong commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable officiating pathway and creating a meaningful connections, increasing confidence and ensuring talented female referees feel supported to stay in the game.”

Furthermore, with the launch coinciding with Female Football Week (running from May 8 to May 18), the program represents a wider drive in Australia’s football landscape to become inclusive and supportive.

 

About the program

Focused on future referees within the 18-26 age bracket, the program will give participants a deep understanding of match officiating and equip them with both confidence and expertise.

Each participant will benefit from six mentor sessions, which will include individual feedback, guidance and insights into the life of a referee in elite sport.

Combining leadership, communication and a real sense of belonging, the program promises to nurture new female referees and, as a result, ensure football remains a sport in which men and women can participate side-by-side.

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities and it’s making a real difference,” explained Minister for Sport, Anika Wells.

“We want to see more girls and women involved in sport at every level and supporting programs like this helps make that happen.”

Indeed, programs of this nature align ambition, professional networks, and a vision for improving the landscape.

This is what the industry needs to ensure long-term inclusivity and cohesion for the next generation.

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