News

Deal for radio commentary of WSL agreed

The FA WSL

The Football Association and the BBC have agreed a new exclusive deal making Radio 5 live sports extra the home of live women’s football in 2014. 5 live sports extra will offer live commentary throughout the 2014 FA Women’s Super League (WSL) season in a move that reinforces the BBC’s ongoing commitment to women’s sport.

Starting on Wednesday, April 16, 5 live: Women’s Super League will bring build up and live commentary from at least 16 games during the season on 5 live sports extra with some coverage on Radio 5 live. Current WSL players will join the commentary team using their expertise to bring a unique awareness and knowledge of the game.

Extensive access to clubs, alongside interviews with players and coaches will ensure audiences are given an exclusive insight into what is set to be the most thrilling WSL to date.

The first WSL show will bring live action from Meadow Lane Stadium as Rick Passmoor‘s Notts County take on Shelley Kerr’s Arsenal.

Controller of BBC Radio 5 live, Jonathan Wall, said: “I’m delighted that 5 live sports extra is able to bring even more coverage of women’s football to the BBC through this new partnership. The 2014 FA Women’s Super League season is set to be the best yet and strengthens the impressive line up of live sport we already have on sports extra.”

Kelly Simmons, Director of the National Game and Women’s Football at the FA, said: "We are delighted with our partnership with the BBC to showcase top level women’s football across all their platforms. Our fans, along with newcomers to the game, will enjoy unprecedented levels of women’s football coverage in what is a very exciting year ahead. We've set out a plan with our partners to develop high quality semi-professional women's football in England and the partnership with the BBC is instrumental in helping us deliver on our ambition."