The BBC has held the rights for the last two competitions

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ITV is reportedly looking to gain the rights to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

The BBC has held the rights for the last two editions of the competition, getting them for free as FIFA has given them to the holder of the Men’s World Cup rights.

However, this time round FIFA will be holding a competitive tender for the first time, and, according to the Daily Mail, ITV may look to pounce after viewing figures have surged in recent tournaments. The final of Euro 2022 saw a record 17.5 million viewers tune into BBC1 to watch the Lionesses end England’s 56-year major trophy drought.

In addition, it was the most attended Women’s Euros ever, with the 87,192 crowd at Wembley for the final a record for any European Championships, male or female.

The first round of bids are thought to be submitted, with a decision to be made later this month.

England matches and the final are included in Ofcom’s listed events, meaning the BBC and ITV are likely to battle over them. However, games involving teams other than England could be shown by the likes of Sky Sports, BT Sport, or other pay-TV providers. 

The Women’s Super League rights are currently shared by Sky Sports and the BBC.