In a significant stride for women`s sports, CBS Sports is elevating its commitment to women`s football by rolling out a comprehensive and ambitious broadcast package for the UEFA Women`s Champions League (UWCL). This isn`t just an expansion; it`s a recalibration of how elite women`s club football is presented to audiences, promising an era of unparalleled access and analysis.
The Grand Unveiling: Exclusive Access and Dedicated Programming
As the exclusive English-language broadcaster for the UWCL, CBS Sports is not merely fulfilling a contractual obligation but actively shaping the narrative around the tournament. The 2025-26 campaign, set to kick off on Tuesday, October 7, will see every single match streamed live on Paramount+, with a selection of pivotal games also broadcast across CBS Sports Network and the dedicated CBS Sports Golazo Network. This multi-platform approach ensures fans won`t miss a moment, whether they`re streaming on the go or tuning in through traditional television channels.
Introducing UEFA Women`s Champions League Today: Expertise Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most exciting development is the launch of UEFA Women`s Champions League Today. This isn`t your average pre- and post-match filler; it`s a dedicated studio show poised to anchor the entire competition`s coverage. From its Stamford, CT studio, the program will deliver incisive analysis, tactical breakdowns, and live reports from European venues throughout the season. And who better to dissect the beautiful game than those who’ve lived it at its pinnacle?
A Roster of Champions and Legends
The talent lineup for UEFA Women`s Champions League Today reads like a who`s who of global women`s football. Host Hannah Cash will steer discussions alongside a panel of analysts boasting FIFA Women`s World Cup and Super League winning experience. This includes:
- Jen Beattie: A decorated defender with extensive club and international experience.
- Janelly Farias: Known for her insightful perspective gleaned from a robust playing career.
- Darian Jenkins: A forward who understands the nuances of attacking play.
- Kelley O`Hara: A two-time World Cup winner whose tactical acumen is undeniable.
- Ali Riley: A seasoned professional whose international career spans decades.
For match commentary, Chris Wittyngham will handle play-by-play duties, supported by co-analysts Darian Jenkins and Jen Beattie, bringing their on-field understanding directly to the mic. Ensuring clarity on crucial decisions, Christina Unkel will serve as CBS Sports` rules analyst, while Anita Jones provides live pitchside reports, capturing the atmosphere and immediate reactions from the heart of the action.
It`s a refreshing commitment to employing bona fide experts – a concept some might argue is surprisingly novel in sports broadcasting. But here, the message is clear: the women`s game deserves, and is finally getting, the profound understanding that only former top-tier players can provide.
A Long-Term Vision: More Than Just a Season
This isn`t a fleeting affair. CBS Sports recently cemented a broadcast partnership with UWCL that extends through 2030, underscoring a long-term vision for elevating women`s club football. This enduring commitment provides stability and an opportunity for consistent narrative building, allowing fans to truly invest in the storylines and rivalries that define the UWCL.
The tournament itself has undergone a significant revamp, now featuring 18 clubs in its initial league phase, a newly introduced knockout phase playoff round, all culminating in the prestigious UEFA Women`s Champions League final, set to be held at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. This structural evolution, combined with top-tier broadcast, promises a more dynamic and competitive spectacle.
Expanding the Women`s Sports Horizon
The UWCL addition is a testament to CBS Sports` broader investment in women`s sports. Paramount+ is already the go-to destination for the NWSL Championship and select regular-season matches, the Concacaf W Champions Cup, and the Concacaf W Gold Cup. Furthermore, select women`s Nations League matches and European friendlies are also accessible across various CBS properties. This holistic approach signals a major network recognizing the burgeoning power and audience of women`s athletics.
The Impact: Visibility, Growth, and Legacy
The implications of this expanded coverage are profound. Increased visibility means greater fan engagement, which in turn fuels investment at all levels of the game – from grassroots to professional. Players gain a larger platform, inspiring the next generation, and the sport itself solidifies its place in the mainstream consciousness. Starting with Arsenal`s opening match against OL Lyonnes on October 7, this season is poised to be a landmark moment, not just for CBS Sports, but for the global women`s football community.
