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- DAZN to air games in non-participating countries for free
- Sky Sports gets UK rights, with CazeTV providing coverage in Brazil
- Tournament kicks off at end of January
DAZN will broadcast the inaugural Fifa Women’s Champions Cup in most countries around the world, with world soccer’s governing body finally securing a deal with less than two weeks to go before the opening matchup.
The global streaming service will show all matches from the new competition, which features the champion clubs from each of the six continental confederations, on a free-to-air (FTA) basis in all territories except for China and the home markets of the participating teams.
The final phase comprises two semi-finals, the final and a 3rd/4th playoff game in London, with Arsenal (England), ASFAR (Morocco), Corinthians (Brazil), and Gotham FC (US) competing.
Sky Sports will air the competition in the UK and Ireland and streamer CazeTV will do the same for Brazil. Fifa has also struck a deal with Morocco’s national broadcaster and DAZN has secured the rights to the semi-finals in the US.
“With world-class players, iconic clubs and a truly global stage, the Fifa Women’s Champions Cup marks a defining moment for women’s club football,” said Jill Ellis, Fifa chief football officer. “We’re delighted to partner with premium broadcasters who’ll play a vital role in showcasing the final stage of this new tournament – which is visionary, ambitious, impactful and deeply connected to fans and communities everywhere – to the world.”
“DAZN and Fifa share a vision to make football accessible and inclusive for fans everywhere,” added Shay Segev, DAZN Group chief executive. “The Fifa Women’s Champions Cup is a landmark event for global football, and by offering free access to the tournament, DAZN is breaking down barriers and ensuring that the best of women’s football reaches the widest possible audience. This is another step forward in our mission to grow the game and celebrate its incredible players.”
Fifa had hoped to have broadcast plans in place long before kick-off, allowing broadcast partners to drive awareness of the new competition. Rather than run a formal tender, Fifa reportedly targeted key broadcasters in individual markets for the tournament but received a lukewarm response.
This marks the second time that DAZN has stepped in to broadcast a new Fifa club soccer competition after a lack of media interest following its US$1 billion deal for the expanded Fifa Club World Cup last summer. This followed an equivalent investment from the Saudi-backed SURJ Sports Investment.
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