Alex Scott's Exit from Disney+: A Sign of Challenges in Women's Football Coverage?

Alex Scott, a familiar face for BBC's coverage of the Women's Super League, has stepped back from her role at Disney+ after just two rounds of the Women's Champions League. This streaming service is in its second season of a five-year contract to showcase European football’s top competition, and it recently introduced innovative formats, including a watchalong show with Scott and Shebahn Aherne taking turns at the helm. However, the coverage has faced its share of hiccups, notably an unplanned advertisement break during Arsenal's clash with HB Koge that drew criticism. While Scott hasn’t disclosed her reasons for leaving, she expressed gratitude for her time at Disney+ and hopes for future collaborations. Her sudden exit raises an important question: are broadcasters struggling to keep up with the demands of covering women’s football in a rapidly changing media environment? The past five years have seen a significant surge in interest for women’s football, largely driven by major UK broadcasters like Sky Sports and the BBC. By securing the Champions League rights for the 2025-26 season, Disney has recognized the potential of this growing audience. Scott, for her part, has also ventured into new territory, launching her own YouTube show, One More Word WSL, featuring discussions with fellow former internationals Anita Asante and Fara Williams. Broadcasters are experimenting with different formats and tones—Disney+ even included a dog in their coverage—but not every idea resonates with viewers. Carrie Dunn, a journalist with over two decades in women's sports, points out that broadcasters often struggle to define their audience. "They're targeting a new generation, but it may not resonate with long-time fans," she notes. "Resource limitations mean the same presenters are expected to cater to everyone, and that’s a tough ask." This summer, the BBC announced its highlights show for the Women's Super League would not return for the 2026-27 season, although they emphasize their commitment to women's football. They highlight new initiatives like a dedicated YouTube channel, the debate show The Women’s Football Fallout on BBC iPlayer, and increased online content as part of this commitment. The BBC’s shift away from traditional TV reflects changing viewer habits, but it’s not without its complications. Dunn adds, "There's a delicate balance in explaining the game to new fans without alienating those who have been here for years. Major broadcasters are still figuring this out." Aston Villa's interim boss Brian Sorensen views the evolving coverage landscape as a positive development, despite the inevitable trial and error. "We're exploring new territories, and while not everything works, we've come a long way from the early days of poor-quality streams." Manchester City’s coach Andree Jeglertz shares this optimism, emphasizing the importance of accessibility. "What matters is that fans can watch the best players live or on TV. The more exposure, the better." Tottenham’s Martin Ho believes it's up to clubs and players to deliver an engaging product on the pitch. "Broadcast decisions are based on their own reasoning; our job is to showcase women's football effectively." Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor is also open to new coverage styles, provided they are critically evaluated. "Trying something new will always divide opinion, but patience is key—we need time to assess what works." The conversation surrounding women's football coverage continues to evolve, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon.