Exciting news for fans of the English women’s professional game! CEO Nikki Doucet reveals that the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship have transitioned to YouTube for their streaming platform, aiming to expand the game’s reach.
During this transition, Doucet also confirmed a “long-term” plan to repay the £20 million loan provided by the Premier League to Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL). She emphasized the need to attract more investors like Michele Kang from London City Lionesses to support clubs and increase revenue.
Now, with the WSL and Championship’s matches available on YouTube globally, the game’s visibility has grown significantly. Doucet highlighted the potential of this move to showcase the leagues’ value to media rights holders during future negotiations.
Moreover, Doucet expressed her focus on enhancing the Championship’s visibility and engagement through strategic marketing efforts on YouTube. By maximizing reach and showcasing the league’s stories, the goal is to attract more viewers and build up the audience for both leagues.
Looking ahead, Doucet mentioned plans to analyze data and engagement metrics on the YouTube channels to strengthen their position in future rights negotiations scheduled for 2025-26.
Exciting developments also include discussions around potentially exempting women’s football from the traditional 3 pm television blackout to encourage regular viewership. However, limitations remain due to existing regulations set by UEFA and the FA.
Alongside these changes, Doucet highlighted the significance of long-term investment and vision in growing the women’s game. Drawing inspiration from investors like Michele Kang, who have shown a commitment to building a sustainable future for clubs, Doucet emphasized the need for continuous growth and value maximization.
As the women’s professional game continues to evolve, the focus remains on leveraging opportunities, attracting investors, and nurturing the sport’s growth journey for the long term.
