WSL: Possibility of broadcasting women’s games in Saturday 3pm slot being explored

Football chiefs are “exploring” whether matches in the Women’s Super League can be televised on Saturday afternoons to help grow the audience.

No matches are currently shown during the ‘3pm blackout’ slot in order to encourage attendance at games.

However the FA’s director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, says it would provide a chance for people to consistently watch women’s football.

“Whatever we do, we need regular opportunities to view games,” she said.

A new broadcast deal will need to be sorted soon with Sky Sports and the BBC’s current agreement ending next summer.

Speaking at a Culture, Media and Sport Committee meeting on women’s sport on Wednesday, Baroness Campbell said the “random” nature of TV scheduling was impacting the growth of the game.

She compared this to coverage of the European Championship last summer, which saw a burst in popularity in women’s football following England’s triumph on home soil.

“We have great visibility on the television, we had great BBC coverage during the Euros,” said Baroness Campbell. “That consistent opportunity to view the women’s game is important.

“It still is a little bit random – you’re not sure what time or day you’re going to be able to turn on and see it, we need to get some consistency.

“We have been exploring Article 48, which is the whole business around 3pm on a Saturday which when it was put in place was for men’s football. We want to see, could the women have that slot on television?”