Alex Scott quit Disney+’s Women’s Champions League coverage on Thursday after just two match rounds.
The platform is now in year two of a five‑year pact to air Europe’s top women’s club competition, adding fresh formats like a watch‑along show where Scott swaps hosting duties with Shebahn Aherne.
Her abrupt exit underscores the hurdles broadcasters face when presenting the women’s game amid rapid media shifts.
By snapping up Champions League rights ahead of the 2025‑26 season, Disney signaled its belief in the sport’s power to draw fresh fans.
This season, Scott also launched a Sunday‑night YouTube series, One More Word WSL, co‑hosted with former England stars Anita Asante and Fara Williams.
Broadcasters have been tinkering with style and tone – Disney even placed a dog on set – but not every experiment lands.
Veteran journalist Carrie Dunn, who’s covered women’s sport for over twenty years, says the debate mirrors a deeper tension in the game.
“Broadcasters aren’t sure who their audience is,” she observes. “Much of the content targets a younger generation, not longtime viewers.”
“Budget cuts force the same presenters and pundits to wear many hats, and that model simply fails,” Dunn adds.
The BBC announced this summer that its Women’s Super League highlights show will not return for 2026‑27, though it reaffirmed a “full commitment to women’s football.”
The move reflects the corporation’s shift away from linear TV to match evolving viewer habits.
That transition brings its own set of challenges.
“Balancing context for newcomers without patronising veteran fans is a tightrope,” Dunn says, noting that major broadcasters haven’t cracked the code yet.
“If audiences are willing to back innovative women’s sports coverage, that’s fantastic,” she continues.
“Start by mastering one element – solid match coverage – and do it exceptionally well,” she advises.
Bigger and more ambitious than ever – women’s football on the BBC
What do WSL managers think?
Aston Villa interim coach Brian Sorensen, who began his coaching career in Denmark in 2009, sees the new coverage ideas as largely positive, even if some miss the mark.
“We’re seeing many good developments, yet we’re also venturing into untested territory,” he remarks. “It’s trial and error as we find our path.”
“From the worst live stream I ever saw to today’s polished broadcasts, the progress is huge,” Sorensen adds.
Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz agrees, noting the sport’s expanding audience is a massive boost.
“The key is visibility – fans should watch the best players live or on TV. The more exposure, the better,” he says.
Tottenham’s Martin Ho argues clubs and players must deliver a product on the pitch that justifies the coverage.
Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor said she welcomes fresh coverage approaches, provided they are thoughtfully analyzed.