Sky's latest TV ratings have exposed a growing concern in the Women's Super League (WSL) - low audience figures, particularly with key fixtures broadcast at noon on Saturdays. The dismal viewing numbers came to light after just 71,000 watched the highly anticipated Arsenal v Chelsea match earlier this month, compared to last season's average of 732,000 when it was free-to-air on BBC.
One of the main reasons behind the low viewership is believed to be the midday kick-off time. The WSL will see most of its games broadcast at noon or 11:55am due to a scheduling change from the traditional 2pm Sunday slot. This has led to clashes with junior and grassroots football matches, which may be contributing to declining attendance - an average of just 6,500 over the first six match rounds so far this season.
The issue is exacerbated by Sky's decision to broadcast its Saturday lunchtime games later on, often up against live Premier League and EFL fixtures. The main EFL game averaged around 250,000 viewers, while TNT Sports' early Saturday Premier League game attracted significantly higher audiences of over a million.
WSL sources have expressed concern that the trend is unlikely to reverse, despite encouraging signs in terms of three-minute views and social media engagement. With the league's average attendance down by 1% compared to last season, there are fears that the WSL will struggle to capitalize on England's second European Championship win last summer.
The BBC has also presented its own scheduling challenges with key fixtures broadcast on different channels, while Sky Sports' current deal is worth £65 million over five years. With these numbers in mind, the WSL must carefully manage its broadcasting strategy if it hopes to maintain a loyal fanbase and achieve long-term growth.
One of the main reasons behind the low viewership is believed to be the midday kick-off time. The WSL will see most of its games broadcast at noon or 11:55am due to a scheduling change from the traditional 2pm Sunday slot. This has led to clashes with junior and grassroots football matches, which may be contributing to declining attendance - an average of just 6,500 over the first six match rounds so far this season.
The issue is exacerbated by Sky's decision to broadcast its Saturday lunchtime games later on, often up against live Premier League and EFL fixtures. The main EFL game averaged around 250,000 viewers, while TNT Sports' early Saturday Premier League game attracted significantly higher audiences of over a million.
WSL sources have expressed concern that the trend is unlikely to reverse, despite encouraging signs in terms of three-minute views and social media engagement. With the league's average attendance down by 1% compared to last season, there are fears that the WSL will struggle to capitalize on England's second European Championship win last summer.
The BBC has also presented its own scheduling challenges with key fixtures broadcast on different channels, while Sky Sports' current deal is worth £65 million over five years. With these numbers in mind, the WSL must carefully manage its broadcasting strategy if it hopes to maintain a loyal fanbase and achieve long-term growth.
, and I was thinking... what's up with the midday kick-off time in sports? Like, who thought that was a good idea? "Hey, let's make all our cool games at noon on Saturdays so everyone can catch their lunch while they're watching football!" 
It's like they want people to eat their sandwiches and then watch the game. And don't even get me started on the Premier League games drawing in way more viewers... isn't that just, like, basic sports broadcasting 101? I mean, I guess Sky thinks they're doing everyone a favor by making these games available, but honestly, can't we just have some decent TV scheduling for once? 
like when did sunday futsal become a thing tho? lol
! It's clear that the WSL needs to rethink its Saturday schedule ASAP 
. 71k viewers for an Arsenal v Chelsea match is not exactly breaking records 
. Midday kick-offs are probably a major turn-off for many fans, especially with all the other sports and events competing for their attention 
. The league needs to find a better balance between broadcasting its own content and showcasing England's ladies' football talent 
. With the BBC struggling with scheduling issues too, it's time for the WSL to take control of its broadcasting strategy and plan some major changes 
lol anyway back to wsl stuff, have you noticed how everyone's always talking about sports but no one ever talks about the actual football pitches? like what's with all these plastic turf fields everywhere? can't we go back to natural grass or something? i mean it's not like it's a huge production cost or whatever 
. And what's the point of having all these fancy broadcasters if no one shows up to watch? It's like they're speaking two different languages, you and the viewers 
️.
. I know some people love watching football, but 71k viewers for a huge match like Arsenal v Chelsea? That's crazy low 
. We should be seeing more fans talking about WSL matches online! Maybe they're watching the highlights or following their favorite teams on Instagram? Anyway, Sky's got a big deal to make up for and I hope they sort out their scheduling strategy 
The £65 million deal is a big factor here too - are they really getting their money's worth? 
. Can't they just stick to one slot like they did before? Now their games are clashing with other sports events and junior matches 
. It's no wonder the viewership is tanking - 71k people watching a huge match like Arsenal vs Chelsea? Unbelievable! 
. I know the BBC has their own issues, but come on Sky, can you do better? 
And I'm not surprised the junior matches are getting more attendance than the WSL games - those kids love playing/spectating football! 
It's like they're doing everything wrong 
Maybe they just need to find a better way to hype up the games... or get some more decent commentary 
But seriously, I get why you'd watch the big matches with all the hype around them. Maybe if they had more exciting fixtures at noon, people would stick around? Like, imagine an Arsenal v Chelsea match with a goal being scored just 2 minutes before halftime... that's what gets me pumped up! 
And yeah, the scheduling clash thing is real, but maybe Sky could work out some compromises to get more people watching? 
Like, I'd love to see more highlights shows or something. That way, fans who can't make it to the live match still feel included. We should try to find a win-win for everyone! 
. And it's not like there's nothing good happening - England won that European Championship and we should be all about the ladies' game right now 
. can't agree with that. i think it's all about finding a balance between making money and giving fans what they want. maybe move some games to earlier slots? or find a way to make them more accessible online? idk, but something's gotta change 
