Fox Sports has expanded its broadcast deal with the W-League in a move that will see a significant increase in the number of games broadcast in 2021.
The new deal increases the number of televised W-League games from 33 to 45, totalling a minimum of 80% of matches available to watch on Foxtel and stream on Kayo.
The new arrangement includes up to four matches per round (up from two) as well as all the Westfield W-League 2021 Finals Series matches.
The expanded match coverage arrangement comes after a June decision from the Federal Government to provide Foxtel an additional $10 million in funding to boost coverage of women’s and under-represented sports.
The W-League season opening rounds have been updated and will now kick-off with a W-League and A-League double header when Brisbane Roar FC take on Melbourne City FC at Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday 29 December. Between the two teams, there will be 12 current Westfield Matildas and Westfield Young Matildas in the squads.
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The following day will feature the Sydney Derby at Bankwest Stadium when the Western Sydney Wanderers FC host cross-town rivals Sydney FC, followed by Canberra United against Adelaide United at Viking Park to complete the opening round.
Melbourne City FC last week revealed four of their W-League matches will be played at Frank Holohan Reserve, which is also the home venue of NPL top tier club Dandenong City Soccer Club in Melbourne’s south-east, after the club announced it will relocate to the fast-growing region.
Head of Leagues, Greg O’Rourke said:
“The A-League and Westfield W-League are back and fans are going to be able to watch their heroes week in, week out on FOX SPORTS. Every Westfield W-League game is an opportunity to see Australia’s best young talent in action, including national team stars who have returned from Europe to re-join the League.
Foxtel Group Director of Acquisitions and Sport Partnerships, Rebecca McCloy said:
“The W-League is continuing to grow in popularity and stature, and we are incredibly pleased to be bringing more games, to more fans than ever before on Foxtel and Kayo.
“This is another milestone in Fox Sports’ commitment to produce, televise and build audiences for elite women’s sport and create new opportunities for Australia’s talented female athletes. We can’t wait for the W-League to start next Tuesday.”
An agreement has also been reached to extend the broadcast rights deal with Sky NZ for another season of the A-League and will include for the first time, the Westfield W-League.
Sky NZ CEO, Sophie Moloney said:
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Football Australia to bring our customers access to the A-League and Westfield W-League. Wellington Phoenix fans will be able to follow every Phoenix match live and in full on Sky Sport, Sky Go and Sky Sport Now.”
The remainder of the Westfield W-League 2020/21 Season Draw will be released once details regarding travel restrictions are known.
