GARETH TAYLOR says the sky is the limit to push for an increased broadcast deal for the Women’s Super League and Championship.
The Manchester City boss spoke after the women’s top tier in the USA secured a record TV rights deal worth $240million, 40 times more than the existing one.
That four-year agreement, announced on Thursday, will start in 2024 and is thought to be the largest agreed by a women’s sport league to date.
National Women’s Soccer League games will be aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports.
WSL and Women’s Championship are also after a higher price for the combined broadcast rights contract, according to Telegraph Sport.
The WSL’s existing TV deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, which finishes at the end of this term, is worth around £8m per year.
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On his hopes for the WSL’s new deal following the NWSL’s announcement, Taylor said: “It’s (women’s football coverage) has moved on significantly.
“How much further (can it go), the sky’s the limit, really and also in regard to getting appropriate kick-off times so that supporters are able to watch their clubs men’s and women’s teams.
“That’s been really difficult because it’s a really tight calendar and they’re on a tight turnaround.
“That being said, I think there’s been significant steps in the three seasons I’ve been here.
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“When I look at my first season of 2020-21 and it was a bit of a fake landscape with it being during Covid times.
“We probably had two games televised that season which was the FA Cup semi-final and final in an empty Wembley Stadium
“The following season we saw the introduction of Sky Sports showcasing games alongside the BBC and that’s now even more this season.”
On the pitch, Taylor aims to guide his side back to winning ways after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, their first of the season.
City host Brighton today, who are yet to beat them, losing eight of their last nine games. And Albion have shipped 39 goals in those nine WSL games.
However, Taylor will not underestimate the Seagulls — under new boss Melissa Phillips.
Brighton drew with Manchester United last time out and have four former City players in their squad — defender Poppy Pattinson, midfielder Vicky Losada and forwards Pauline Bremner and Lee Geum-min.
Taylor added: “They took a solid point last week and there could have been more for them as well — and it just shows how dangerous they are.
“We wouldn’t underestimate any opposition.
“With their new coach they’ve been quite active in recruitment in terms of bringing in players who’ve got really good experience in the WSL and international football.”
Meanwhile, Taylor says he has high hopes for two of City’s young rising stars, forward Jess Park and defender Ruby Mace.
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He said: “Jess looks really sharp and lively and a threat.
“It’s the same with Ruby. She’s got the capabilities of playing higher up the pitch and the early signs have been impressive.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
