STREAMING giant Disney+ has won the broadcast rights for a huge European football competition.
The subscription service will broadcast the Women’s Champions League from the 2025-26 campaign, having agreed a five-year deal.
DAZN has kept the rights for the last four seasons, making coverage free-to-air on its app and YouTube channel.
A few select fixtures have also been available to watch on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom.
But the new deal, which is set to see every match broadcast live, marks the start of a new era.
Disney+ EMEA general manager Karl Holmes said: “The UEFA Women’s Champions League is the very best in football performance, dedication and passion.
“Bringing this incredible tournament to our customers speaks to our commitment of delivering a huge range of bold and dynamic entertainment.
“As women’s football continues to grow with audiences worldwide, we’re proud to offer the thrill and excitement of every single match to Disney+ customers across Europe, at no extra cost.”
Uefa marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein added: “The UEFA Women’s Champions League has seen exceptional growth in recent years, with record-breaking attendance, rising standards, and increasing global interest.
“These new broadcast deals not only reflect this but are important milestones in the continued development of women’s football in Europe, underscoring its growing importance and appeal to fans worldwide.”
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Disney+ will show all 75 matches from the competition across Europe, starting from October.
Coverage will be produced by ESPN – Disney’s multi-platform sports brand.
From next season the format of the Women’s Champions League is set to change.
The group stage will be replaced with a league table format – much like the men’s competition.
As things stand, 18 teams will enter the league with each side playing six games.
At the end of the league phase, the top four teams will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.
The clubs ranked fifth to 12th will compete in a two-legged knockout phase play-off, with the winner of each fixture progressing to the last-eight.
And those placed 13th to 18th will be eliminated from the competition.
The final of the 2024-25 Women’s Champions League will take place on Saturday.
Arsenal face current holders Barcelona for the trophy at Estadio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
