By Jon Donnis
With less than a year remaining before the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 kicks off in Switzerland, UK football fans can rejoice as ITV and BBC Sport have finalized an agreement to provide extensive live coverage of the tournament. The 16-team competition, set to begin on July 2nd, 2025, will see every match broadcast live in the UK on either ITV or the BBC, ensuring maximum accessibility for fans across the nation.
In an arrangement that reflects the growing popularity and significance of women's football, ITV will broadcast half of the tournament's matches across its flagship channels ITV1 and ITV4, supplemented by simulcast and on-demand viewing through ITVX. Fans can also look forward to match highlights and additional content available on ITVX and the network's social media platforms, offering multiple ways to stay engaged with the tournament.
The BBC, renowned for its long-standing commitment to women's sports, will also provide live TV coverage and match highlights. For those on the go or preferring audio coverage, live commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra. These audio broadcasts will be accessible through BBC Sounds, DAB radio, and the BBC Sport website, ensuring that fans can follow the action wherever they are.
The final of the tournament will be a special event, with both ITV and the BBC broadcasting it live, symbolizing their shared commitment to bringing the pinnacle of women's football to the widest possible audience. This dual broadcast underscores the importance of the event in the UK sports calendar, particularly after the Lionesses' historic triumph in the 2022 UEFA Women's EURO.
As the current champions, England's Lionesses are looking to defend their title, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event. Their victory in 2022 was a landmark moment for English football, capturing the imagination of a nation that had waited over half a century for a major tournament win. That tournament saw a total TV reach of 27.4 million in the UK, with the final alone attracting over 17 million viewers on BBC One, highlighting the growing appetite for women's football.
While England has already secured its place in the tournament, other home nations—Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—are set to compete in the play-offs this October for a chance to join them. The prospect of multiple home nations participating in the tournament further elevates the stakes and promises to draw even more viewers.
The broadcast rights for the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 were secured in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), a global leader in public service media. The EBU's involvement ensures that the tournament will be accessible to audiences not just in the UK but across Europe and beyond, further boosting the visibility and reach of women's football.
Niall Sloane, ITV's Director of Sport, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tournament, stating, "Following the success of the Women's World Cup last year, which drew big audiences to ITV across the tournament, we are looking forward to showcasing next year's UEFA Women's EURO. Viewers who follow ITV's coverage of England Women can now expect to see live, free-to-air action and analysis across our platforms next summer."
Echoing this enthusiasm, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, emphasized the BBC's dedication to women's sports, saying, "BBC Sport has been a long-time supporter of the women's game and the BBC is committed to bringing the nation together for the biggest sporting moments. We're excited that we can bring another major tournament to audiences next summer across the BBC."
The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 is set to be a jewel in the crown of both broadcasters' extensive sports portfolios. ITV's lineup includes major events like the UEFA Men's EURO, England Men's football international qualifiers, the UEFA Nations League, and more, while the BBC boasts rights to prestigious competitions including the Women's Super League, the Olympic Games, and the Premier League.
As the countdown to July 2025 continues, fans can look forward to an unparalleled level of coverage, ensuring that the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 will be one of the most widely viewed and celebrated events in women's sports history.
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