In a definitive move signaling a significant turning point for women`s professional football, CBS Sports is set to dramatically expand its coverage of the UEFA Women`s Champions League (UWCL) for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This commitment solidifies its position as the exclusive English-language broadcaster for the prestigious tournament through 2030.
A New Era of Visibility for Women`s Football
For decades, women’s professional football, despite its soaring talent and fervent global fanbase, often found itself relegated to the sidelines of major broadcast portfolios. Those days, it seems, are rapidly fading into the rearview mirror. CBS Sports` latest commitment isn`t merely about adding another competition to its roster; it`s a profound statement of intent, unequivocally recognizing the immense value and growing demand for top-tier women`s sports content.
“This isn`t just broadcasting; it`s an investment in the future of the beautiful game, proving that excellence on the pitch deserves an equally excellent platform off it.”
The exclusive deal, commencing with the 2025-26 campaign kicking off on Tuesday, October 7th, promises unprecedented access and production quality for US audiences. All matches will be available for streaming on Paramount+, with a selection of key fixtures also broadcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. This ensures fans have multiple, accessible avenues to catch every thrilling moment of Europe`s premier club competition.
“UEFA Women`s Champions League Today”: The Star-Studded Hub
At the heart of CBS Sports` enhanced coverage lies the brand-new studio show, “UEFA Women`s Champions League Today.” This dedicated program is poised to become the definitive destination for pre- and post-match analysis, tactical breakdowns, and captivating storytelling. Originating from the state-of-the-art Stamford, CT studio, the show will also feature live reports dispatched directly from Europe, offering real-time insights from the heart of the action.
The caliber of talent assembled for “UEFA Women`s Champions League Today” is nothing short of exceptional, meticulously chosen to reflect the growing professionalism and gravitas of the sport. Host Hannah Cash will steer discussions, joined by a panel of analysts whose collective résumés read like a who`s who of international football. These aren`t just commentators; they are titans of the game:
- Jen Beattie – A seasoned defender with a wealth of experience, including Super League titles.
- Janelly Farias – Former Mexican international known for her insightful defensive play.
- Darian Jenkins – Dynamic forward with experience across NWSL and European leagues.
- Kelley O`Hara – A two-time FIFA Women`s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, renowned for her versatility.
- Ali Riley – Captain of the New Zealand national team, bringing extensive international and club experience.
Each brings a wealth of professional experience, including FIFA Women`s World Cup and Super League victories, offering an unparalleled depth of insight that only former players at the sport`s pinnacle can provide. Their nuanced understanding of the game’s intricacies, from locker room dynamics to on-pitch strategy, promises to elevate viewer engagement significantly, transforming casual watching into an immersive educational experience.
Beyond the Studio: A Comprehensive Match Day Experience
The commitment to excellence extends directly to the match commentary, ensuring that the on-field drama is expertly articulated. Veteran play-by-play announcer Chris Wittyngham will guide viewers through the live action, flanked by co-analysts Darian Jenkins and Jen Beattie, providing expert tactical breakdowns and immediate reactions as the game unfolds. Adding another critical layer of clarity, Christina Unkel will serve as CBS Sports` dedicated rules analyst, dissecting contentious decisions with precision and explaining the nuances of the game`s regulations. And for those vital updates from the touchline, Anita Jones will deliver live pitchside reports, capturing the atmosphere and immediate reactions directly from the sidelines, offering a complete sensory experience.
Expanding a Legacy: CBS Sports` Growing Commitment to Women`s Soccer
This expansion of UWCL coverage is not an isolated event but rather a strategic reinforcement of CBS Sports` already robust women`s soccer portfolio. The network is already the official home for the NWSL Championship and features select NWSL regular season matches. Furthermore, Paramount+ streams the Concacaf W Champions Cup and the Concacaf W Gold Cup, alongside a selection of women`s Nations League matches and European friendlies. This comprehensive approach positions CBS Sports as a veritable powerhouse in women`s football broadcasting, fostering a consistent and accessible viewing experience for fans year-round, demonstrating a clear long-term vision.
The revamped UWCL tournament format itself speaks to the sport`s ongoing evolution, now featuring 18 clubs in an initial league phase, followed by a newly added knockout phase playoff round, all culminating in the grand final at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The prospect of seeing European giants like Arsenal clash with powerhouses such as OL Lyon on a widely accessible, expertly produced platform is a tantalizing prospect for fans globally.
The Future is Bright (and Beautifully Broadcasted)
CBS Sports` deep dive into the UEFA Women`s Champions League is more than just a broadcast deal; it`s a profound testament to the undeniable ascendancy of women`s football on the global stage. It represents a significant, necessary step towards parity in sports media, providing the world`s elite female athletes with the visibility, resources, and expert analysis they have long deserved. As the October 7th kickoff for the 2025-26 season approaches, fans can anticipate a broadcast experience that truly mirrors the passion, skill, and sheer excitement inherent in every UWCL match.
The message is clear: women`s soccer isn`t just here to stay; it`s here to dominate screens, captivate audiences, and inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, with CBS Sports confidently leading the charge into this vibrant future.
