UEFA hails new Women’s Champions League format as audience sets new benchmark | OneFootball

UEFA hailed the first season under the revamped UEFA Women’s Champions League as a success after Barcelona beat Olympique Lyon in Oslo. In a season-end report, UEFA said the campaign delivered unprecedented growth, wider access and a stronger European ecosystem.

Audiences more than doubled on last year, with over 39.7 million viewers before the final and a projection of at least 44.5 million once final data is confirmed. Matches aired in 207 territories, and 30 free-to-air partners showed the final, the most widely available yet.

The sporting level was described as exceptional and the final sold out in Norway, a country with a long tradition in the women’s game.

The new league phase produced 54 unique ties, more than double the previous format, bringing marquee clashes forward, cutting repeats and sustaining tension. The knockouts followed suit, with high-intensity football, big crowds in landmark stadiums and tight margins.

The new UEFA Women’s Europa Cup broadens access and offers a second route for teams knocked out early in UWCL qualifying, part of a system-building approach. This season featured 43 clubs from 28 federations, with 13 national associations in the knockout stage.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo