Streaming platform Disney+ is preparing to take a significant step in women’s sports by acquiring the broadcasting rights for the Women’s Champions League in several European territories, including the United Kingdom. The deal, which will last five years, marks Disney+’s entry into the women’s club football market, just as the competition adopts a new format starting next season.

This move comes amid growing interest from global platforms in women’s football, following Netflix’s acquisition of the rights to the upcoming Women’s World Cups. In the highly competitive British market, Disney+ will join an increasingly fragmented landscape, already occupied by broadcasters such as the BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, and TNT Sports, which could pose a challenge for fans trying to follow all tournaments without stacking subscriptions.

A new chapter for the Women’s Champions League

With DAZN stepping down after four seasons of free coverage and a significant boost in visibility, Disney+ is making a bold move not only financially, but also with an ambitious production strategy. The deal was brokered by UC3, a joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA), allowing clubs to have a direct voice in the negotiations. Additionally, some matches are expected to remain free-to-air, at least in the United Kingdom.

The new format of the Women’s Champions League will expand the number of teams from 16 to 18 and replace the group stage with a league phase, leading directly to the playoffs. This transition comes at a time of rising momentum for women’s football in Europe and a highly anticipated final between Arsenal and Barcelona in Lisbon, which will mark the end of DAZN’s cycle. With around 125 million global subscribers, Disney+ aims to capitalize on this momentum and position itself as a key player in broadcasting top-tier women’s football.