Research shows growing interest in the competition
The Women’s Super League is estimated to have a season audience of 14.5 million in 2021/22.
Alongside Nielsen’s estimated viewing figures, research from Altman Solon’s 2021 Global Sports Survey found that the competition is growing in the UK, with the survey also adding that international viewers are beginning to show interest.
The WSL is currently shown on Sky Sports and the BBC in the UK, after signing its first ever commercial broadcast deal in March this year. The pair will share the rights until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
The survey, which asked 18,000 respondents in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia about their views on sport, also found that 52% of UK women watch sport at least monthly. In addition, 21% of UK women chose the WSL as their favourite competition to watch, behind the Men’s World Cup (54%), Premier League (50%), and Summer Olympics (50%).
This comes as the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Arsenal attracted over 1.3 million to BBC1, and 160,000 to iPlayer.
Ian Lube, Altman Solon partner, said: “We are seeing significant tailwinds from rights holders and investors exploring opportunities in women’s leagues. The FA and Women’s Super League are in the unique position to build a global leader and future powerhouse in the women’s game.”
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