UEFA hails new Women’s Champions League format after record audiences | OneFootball

UEFA said in its season review that the revamped UEFA Women’s Champions League delivered unprecedented growth, wider access and a stronger European ecosystem.

Barcelona were crowned champions after victory in Oslo against Olympique Lyon, closing the first campaign under the new format. The final sold out in Norway, a country with a long tradition in women’s football.

The audience had already more than doubled compared with last season, with more than 39.7 million viewers recorded across the competition before the final. The total is projected to reach at least 44.5 million once final data are confirmed.

Matches are now broadcast in 207 territories, combining premium coverage with accessibility. Thirty free-to-air partners carried the final, making it the most widely available Women’s Champions League decider to date.

The refreshed league phase produced 54 unique match-ups, more than double the old format, bringing marquee clashes forward, cutting repetition and maintaining competitive tension.

The knockout rounds followed suit, with high-intensity football played before large crowds in iconic stadiums, decided by fine margins and uncertain outcomes. With the addition of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, the focus is on building a system in which many clubs and players can compete and that supports further national development.

Source: Superdeporte