The BBC has cancelled its flagship Women’s Football Show ahead of the new Women’s Super League season, creating controversy despite the broadcaster insisting that it remains fully committed to women’s football.
The weekly BBC One programme will not return in its previous format. Instead, the broadcaster plans to place greater emphasis on digital platforms, including iPlayer, YouTube and its BBC Sport website and app.
The BBC says supporters will still be able to watch highlights from every WSL match across its platforms. It also plans to broadcast 25 live WSL matches and Women’s Champions League games.
However, the decision has disappointed several people connected with the programme. According to reports, some BBC Sport insiders were surprised by the cancellation and only learned about the decision after it was reported publicly.
The broadcaster is attempting to modernise its approach to sports coverage, pointing to changing audience habits and the success of digital highlights during the men’s World Cup.
There is also reportedly a new women’s football YouTube chat show being planned, with former England international Alex Scott expected to present a programme inspired by Gary Neville’s popular football format.
The debate now centres on whether moving coverage away from traditional television represents progress or a setback for women’s football.
The WSL continues to grow commercially and attracts increasing attention worldwide.
Whether the BBC’s digital strategy strengthens that growth or reduces the visibility of women’s football on mainstream television will become clearer as the new season progresses.