Alex Scott’s Disney+ exit raises questions over women’s football coverage

Former England international Alex Scott has left Disney+’s coverage of the Women’s Champions League after two rounds of matches, prompting questions about how broadcasters are adapting to a larger and changing audience for women’s football. [1]

Disney is in the second season of a five-year deal for the competition. This season it introduced new formats, including a watchalong show presented by Scott and Shebahn Aherne on alternating occasions. The coverage has also faced technical problems and criticism after an unscheduled advert break during Arsenal’s match against HB Køge. [1]

Scott has not said why she left. She told BBC Sport she was “grateful” for the opportunities at Disney+ and hoped to “continue working together” in future. [1]

Broadcasters search for an audience

Journalist Carrie Dunn, who has covered women’s sport for more than 20 years, says broadcasters are still working out whom their coverage is for. Some formats target younger or newer fans, she says, while long-time followers may want something different. Dunn also points to pressure on budgets and the use of the same presenters and pundits across different audiences. [1]

The BBC has announced that its Women’s Super League highlights show will not return for the 2026-27 season, while saying it remains “fully committed to women’s football”. It has pointed to a dedicated YouTube channel, a debate show on BBC iPlayer and clips and analysis on its website. The broadcaster says its move away from linear television reflects changing audience habits. [1]

Dunn says the challenge is to give new fans context without patronising established supporters. She welcomes experimentation, but argues broadcasters should first deliver strong match coverage. [1]

Managers welcome experimentation

Aston Villa interim manager Brian Sørensen describes recent changes as positive, while recognising that some ideas will require trial and error. Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz says wider access to matches and players is the priority. [1]

Tottenham manager Martin Ho says clubs and players can control the quality of the football, not broadcasters’ choices. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor says new approaches will please some viewers and upset others, and that it can be too soon to judge whether they work. [1]