WSL triples viewership after move to YouTube

Image credit: Jason Ilagan / Shutterstock.com

Viewership for Women’s Super League (WSL) matches streamed live on YouTube has more than trebled during the 2024/25 season.

This success is no coincidence. Beyond the clear rise in quality and star power across teams for the 2024/25 season, it’s also the first time in league history that non-televised games are streamed for free on YouTube.

Last season, the main issue with viewership was accessibility, where matches not picked up by domestic broadcasters were only available on the FA Player app or website, requiring users to create an account on a platform that was already unpopular.

In the 2023/24 season, the highest viewership for an online-only WSL game was Arsenal’s home fixture against Bristol City, which attracted 78,050 viewers.

However, this season has already shattered records. Over 250,000 fans tuned in on YouTube to watch Leicester face Arsenal in September, setting a new high for a WSL game not televised.

In total, the first three weeks of this season have seen a staggering 1,576,848 live views for WSL matches streamed on YouTube.

Women’s Championship matches have also benefited from the platform, with the season opener between newly promoted Newcastle and London City Lionesses setting a new record for the league, drawing 46,050 live viewers.

This spike in viewership comes at a crucial time for both the WSL and the Championship, as they are holding out for a new broadcasting rights deal set to begin after 2025. Both leagues smartly delayed signing earlier this year to avoid locking into a premature agreement.

The gamble absolutely paid off and the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), now in charge of the top two leagues, will be using these numbers as leverage in discussions over the next major TV rights deal which should include the BBC and Sky Sports amongst other suitors.

Streaming must remain free for A-League Women’s growth

The A-League Women’s impressively saw a 114% increase in viewership on 10 Play, where every game is streamed for free, and 125% on Paramount+ for the 2023/24 season.

While a switch to YouTube seems unlikely given Channel 10’s monopoly over A-League football, it’s crucial to keep every game available for free on 10 Play if they want viewership to continue rising.

As the WSL and previously the NWSL have demonstrated, offering free streamed games draws in viewers of all ages and ultimately helps turn them into paying fans. The league’s primary focus should be on building an audience as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

The impressive figures from this season suggest that the demand for women’s football is only increasing.

The WSL has made a brilliant move that is sure to enhance the upcoming record-breaking broadcast rights deal, helping the league continue to improve both on and off the field.

The next step is to take it mainstream, and the Ninja A-League should look to follow the blueprint set by the WSL, which has demonstrated how to rapidly gain widespread popularity.

Image credit: AGIF / Shutterstock.com

Fans travelling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will now be eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). The agreement will grant ticket holders access to priority Visa appointments, ensuring safe travel to the games due to take place across the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Landmark Agreement

In an announcement made on Instagram, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressed his pride about the initiative.

“Today was a very important day – the launch of the FIFA PASS is part of the vision of the United States and of FIFA in showing that America welcomes the world at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said via press release.

The agreement was made at the White House and was attended by President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, the White House Task Force and Mr Infantino.

Safety Concerns

The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, outlined the reasons for the new initiative, highlighting the nation’s commitment to ensuring the event can proceed safely.

“We’re making sure that people who come in on these tourist Visas are coming in thoroughly vetted just like anyone who would travel here, and they would come and enjoy our country and then they would go home and go home in a timely manner, and we’re excited to partner with the President on creating memories for people around the world that will make them not just fall in love with the United States but also fall in love with the sport of soccer,” she said via press release.

With over six million tickets available for matches held across 16 different cities, preparations within the United States will guarantee the safety and security of the event will have no margin for error. The hope for those travelling to the United States to celebrate the first-ever 48-team World Cup is that the US government and FIFA will be able to deliver on the Secretary of State’s promise of “the greatest and safest World Cup in history.

Image credit: Master1305 / Shutterstock.com

The Football Victoria (FV) Pathway Project, previously called the International Coaching Experience, connects coaches from around the world to exchange knowledge and help develop both emerging players and coaches across Victoria.

Running across four days on December 15, 16, 18, and 19 at The Home of The Matildas, the program features daily sessions from 9am to 2pm and offers boys and girls born between 2009 and 2017 the chance to train with international coaches from the boys’ game, girls’ game, and specialist goalkeeping pathways.

Inside the FV Pathway Program

Global Coaching Talent

Coaches from around the world take part in the program, offering a mix of insights and leading methods to enrich football in Victoria.

Elevated Player Pathways

The initiative is designed to strengthen young players’ abilities and understanding through top-tier training sessions.

Building Development and Community

This event supports Football Victoria’s wider commitment to nurturing growth, strengthening connections, and advancing the local football ecosystem.

Clubs

Watford FC

Watford FC will participate in the 2025 Pathway Project, bringing a strong tradition of giving young players opportunities at the top level. Their academy’s focus on intensity, growth, and player potential provides Australian participants with exposure to a club known for developing and scouting emerging talent.

Djurgårdens IF

Djurgårdens IF, a historic giant of Swedish football, will send its experienced coaching staff to the program. Known for its strong academy and emphasis on tactical discipline and high-tempo play, the club has produced numerous Swedish internationals and offers participants a glimpse into one of Scandinavia’s most respected development systems.

Crewe Alexandra

Crewe Alexandra joins as one of England’s premier youth development clubs, famous for producing technically excellent players. Their academy consistently ranks among the best for progressing players into professional football, with recent squads heavily featuring homegrown talent—perfectly aligning with the Pathway Project’s mission.

PAOK FC

PAOK FC brings Greece’s top-performing academy to the project. Known for its strong coaching and clear pathway to the first team, PAOK has developed and sold several high-value talents in recent years, establishing itself as the leading youth development model in Greek football.