The burgeoning landscape of women`s football has reached a pivotal moment, with broadcasters finally recognizing the immense talent, passionate fanbase, and undeniable market potential. In a move that signals a profound shift, CBS Sports has stepped onto the pitch as a major player, announcing a significant expansion of its women`s soccer coverage, spearheaded by a multi-year commitment to the UEFA Women`s Champions League (UWCL). This isn`t just about airing games; it`s about building a comprehensive platform designed to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights.
As the exclusive English language broadcaster for the UWCL, CBS Sports is not merely fulfilling a contractual obligation but is investing deeply in the narrative surrounding Europe`s elite club competition. Kicking off on October 7, the 2025-26 campaign will witness a groundbreaking dedicated studio show: UEFA Women`s Champions League Today. This new program isn`t an afterthought; it`s the anchor of the network`s commitment, promising pre- and post-match analysis that rivals the coverage typically reserved for men`s major tournaments.
What truly sets this initiative apart is the caliber of talent CBS Sports has assembled. Eschewing the common practice of shoehorning former players into roles, the network has curated a panel of seasoned professionals who have not only graced the FIFA Women`s World Cup but also conquered top leagues. Host Hannah Cash will guide the studio discussions, flanked by an analytical team comprising Jen Beattie, Janelly Farias, Darian Jenkins, Kelley O`Hara, and Ali Riley. These are not just names; they are champions, offering insights born from direct experience at the sport`s zenith. Their presence alone speaks volumes about the respect and seriousness CBS Sports is bringing to its coverage.
The commitment extends beyond the studio. UEFA Women`s Champions League Today will feature live reports directly from Europe throughout the season, connecting fans to the heart of the action. Match play-by-play duties will be led by the experienced Chris Wittyngham, joined by co-analysts Jenkins and Beattie, while Christina Unkel provides crucial rules analysis. Anita Jones will deliver real-time pitchside reports, ensuring a 360-degree view of every game. Fans will have extensive access, with all matches streaming on Paramount+ and select fixtures also broadcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. This multi-platform approach ensures that no moment of brilliance goes unseen.
This isn`t a short-term gamble; CBS Sports has inked a broadcast partnership with UWCL that extends through 2030, a clear indicator of a long-term vision and unwavering belief in the sport`s trajectory. The revamped tournament format itself, featuring 18 clubs in an initial league phase, a new knockout playoff round, and a grand final at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway, demands this kind of comprehensive and sustained coverage.
Furthermore, the UWCL joins an already robust women`s soccer portfolio at CBS Sports, which includes:
- The NWSL Championship and select NWSL regular season matches
- The Concacaf W Champions Cup
- The Concacaf W Gold Cup
- Various women`s Nations League matches and European friendlies
This collective offering positions CBS Sports as arguably the premier destination for women`s football in the English-speaking world.
For years, the fervent supporters of women`s football have yearned for the consistent, high-quality broadcasting that accurately reflects the sport`s excitement and skill. With CBS Sports` bold new initiative, that yearning is being answered.
This expanded coverage, beginning with Arsenal`s opening match against OL Lyonnes on October 7, is more than just a schedule of games; it`s a statement. It`s a recognition of talent, an investment in equality, and a promise of a thrilling future for women`s football, finally given the stage it deserves. One might even quip that it took a while, but sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for—especially when they arrive with this much fanfare and genuine commitment.
