BBC have lost the Women’s FA Cup UK broadcasting rights to Channel Four and TNT Sports in a three-season deal.
From 2002-08 then 2013 until now after a spell on ITV and Sky Sports, the Women’s FA Cup has been primarily broadcast live on the BBC, but the national broadcaster have lost the rights to Channel Four and TNT Sports for the next three seasons covering 2025-26 to 27-28 campaigns.
TNT will broadcast 19 matches each season starting with one match in both First and Second Rounds before expanding their picks across following rounds – which will include both semi-finals and the final.
Channel Four will co-exclusively share coverage of one tie per round from the Third Round onwards with both broadcasters simulcasting the final.
FA CEO, Mark Bullingham welcomed the new stand-alone broadcast deal as “a significant moment” for the Women’s FA Cup with deep commitment from both broadcasters.
“We have two broadcast partners who are deeply committed to growing the competition and taking it to new audiences over the next three seasons.
“Channel 4 and TNT are brilliant sports broadcasters and are the perfect combination for this very special tournament. We’re delighted to be working with them and look forward to continuing to grow women’s football together.”
TNT’s acquisition of the women’s competition comes after they reached a four-season deal for the men’s competition last year, much to disgruntlement of football fans across the UK.
WBD Sports’ SVP Content, Production and Business Operations, Scott Young explained that this deal highlights their “ongoing commitment” to women’s sports and is “excited” to be able “… to showcase the full breadth and power of women’s football stories – from grassroots through to the elite level.”
C4’s Head of Sport, Pete Andrews added that the broadcaster is “thrilled” to secure free-to-air rights with view to reach wider audiences.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and dedication of women’s football teams nationwide. By offering free-to-air coverage, we can reach wider audiences, inspire the next generation of footballers, and celebrate the rising prominence of women’s sport.”