The appetite for women’s football is insatiable, and too many fans face barriers to keeping up with their favourite teams. A solution that both lower-league and elite-level teams and clubs have praised is one of the more traditional media forms: radio. 

Radio stations are accessible, ideal for listening on-the-go, and provide a deeper, more personal insight into teams. This article digs into the history of women's football and how radio stations can benefit the current game. We look at how they increase visibility, keep fans in the loop, and harness the inclusive community that the sport heavily promotes. 

The Growth of Women’s Football

From 1921 until 1971, women’s football was banned in by England's Football Association. From bringing in crowds of over 50,000 people, the game was suddenly relegated to substandard public pitches. Subsequent bans cropped up across the world in the years following, severely impacting interest in and perceptions of the sport. Fast forward to 2026, and the women’s game has never been more alive.

Sold-out stadiums, shiny new sponsorships, and a spectacular increase in global investment has seen women’s football skyrocket. The industry is booming, and the media plays a crucial role in continuing this upward trajectory.

What is the History of Women’s Football in Radio?

The First Radio Broadcasts For Women’s Football

Once the ban was lifted in the 1970s, some high-profile matches were finally broadcast, but airtime was typically reserved for only very successful teams or national team fixtures. The launch of BBC Radio 5 Live in the 1990s signalled a turning point: women’s football was finally granted consistent airtime, and so began the slow reclamation of its place in sports radio broadcasting. 

In the US, the sport was popular but coverage was equally limited. The 1999 Women’s World Cup was the first time women’s football received nationwide audio and visual coverage. The tournament became a defining moment in women’s football, and became the most-attended women’s sporting event in history.

What Recent Progress Has Been Made in Women’s Football Radio Coverage?

The success of national teams like the Lionesses at major international tournaments has catapulted women’s football into the global spotlight. Live commentary of the Women’s Super League (WSL) is now broadcast regularly with fan and listener engagement increasing every year. 

In 2025, talkSPORT secured WSL radio rights. The three-year deal ensures post-match interviews, live match updates, and expert commentary with every WSL club. 

How Does Women’s Football Coverage Compare To Men’s Football Coverage?

While improving, there are still disparities between the men’s and women’s games regarding airtime priority and depth of analysis. For example, in the UK:

For the 2025/26 season, talkSPORT is broadcasting 16 live games from the WSL, compared to 111 from the Premier league.

Regular and accessible radio broadcasting is essential for connecting fans across the globe and keeping women’s football at the forefront of sports conversations.

Does Women’s Football Need its Own Broadcasting Structure?

Despite the challenges women’s football has faced in the past and continues to face today, it is often harshly compared to the men’s game. 

Due to shared broadcasting structures, women’s coverage is often viewed and treated as an “add on” or a lower-level alternative to men’s football, diminishing its skill and perceived value. 

An independent broadcasting structure for women's football would be able to efficiently keep up with the game’s rapid growth. This would afford a deeper analysis of matches and more time for substantial interviews. To move past the idea that women’s football is subordinate to men’s, a dedicated structure would also open up more opportunities to women as analysts, presenters, commentators, and pundits, and directly address audience demand for more coverage. 

What Opportunities are There for Community Radio in Women’s Football?

After the Women’s EURO 2025, the number of women and girls involved in local and grassroots teams increased dramatically. 

In Essex, UK, one school reported a 1,200% increase in pupils wanting to get involved in the sport. 

Similarly in the US, the success of the national women’s team (four World Cup victories, five Olympic Golds) has fuelled investment and interest. The US has become somewhat of a model for women’s football, leading the way for the rest of the world. Top-class college programmes and player pathways, and a large pool of players to act as inspiration has motivated millions of girls to play and stick at football throughout their youth.

Investing in grassroots clubs and local teams and players will ensure the popularity of the women’s game long-term and will strengthen pathways into professional football. 

It’s not only the big-city and national teams that have sparked public interest, but also the origins of today’s football heroes. Where did they start? Which teams helped make them household names? How can others follow in their footsteps? 

• Local Match Coverage & Commentary

While the largest and most heavily funded clubs often dominate radio coverage (Gotham F.C, Seattle Reign, Manchester City, Arsenal), many teams receive little to no consistent attention. Community radio stations can spotlight smaller women’s leagues, maintaining visibility across regional areas and filling gaps left by national broadcasters.

• Local Team & Player Profiles

After major tournaments, eyes often turn to the teams that played a part in the development of top players or those that are championing the next generation of talent. With interviews and features on local teams and players, community radio can satisfy demand for relatable stories and bring the journey to success closer to home.

• Community Station Partnerships 

Partnerships with national broadcasters, such as BBC Local Radio, can draw attention to local teams and stories, showcasing the importance of interest and investment in grassroots clubs and the role of these clubs in producing elite talent.

In the UK, Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund encourages community broadcasters to apply to receive up to £100,000 in funding and ultimately boost grassroots visibility.