WSL matches – Scheduling error means Arsenal WFC match can’t be streamed live
Bad news for WSL fans who were hoping to catch Saturday’s Arsenal women’s game, as it’s been announced that a scheduling error means it won’t be broadcast live in the UK.
The game against Arsenal was originally scheduled for Saturday at 14:00 GMT. The match was rescheduled before the season kicked off, as both Arsenal and Everton are slated to participate in next Wednesday’s Women’s League Cup.
Usually, the WSL matches are free to watch on the FA’s streaming site.
Due to the rescheduling, it means the game now clashes with the UK’s Saturday afternoon blackout period, which means live football can’t be broadcast between 14:45 and 17:45 (UK time).
The UK has a blackout period to ensure fans continue to attend football matches in the country – however, there’s no strong evidence that ending the blackout would see a dip in attendance. The blackout applies to all football in the UK from the Premier League to the WSL and the lower leagues.
The match will be available post-full-time. And international audiences will be able to watch live.
NewCo seeks new women’s football deal
The Football Association explained in a statement on Wednesday, citing Uefa’s Article 48: “Due to Uefa’s Article 48, Arsenal’s home game against Everton will not be live on FA Player this week. The game will instead be available to watch on FA Player shortly after the conclusion of the match.”
Before the season commencement, WSL clubs typically coordinate preferred kick-off times among themselves and inform the FA. Given the upcoming midweek clash for both teams, the decision to advance Saturday’s match was aimed at providing players with additional recovery time.
While the initial proposal to the FA did not raise concerns about broadcast rights, the issue surfaced later. By that time, the clubs believed it was impractical to adjust the kick-off time, having already sold tickets and with fans having made travel arrangements.
This incident highlights an oversight from all parties involved, prompting speculation that it might lead to increased calls for NewCo, an independent group poised to take over the WSL, to institute a more centralised process for agreeing on kick-off times and broadcast selections.
As the current WSL broadcast deal with Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and the FA is set to expire at the end of the season, negotiating a new agreement will be a key priority for NewCo.