BBC and ITV both issue statements as England's Lionesses beat Spain in Euro 2025 final
Lionesses fans will be able to watch Sarina Wiegman's side go for more success in 2027 after the BBC and ITV agreed a broadcast deal for the next women's World Cup. After successfully defending their European Championship in a close-fought final with Spain, England will now turn their attention to Brazil 2027.
And in a stunning revelation for fans of women's football across the UK, the BBC and ITV announced on Sunday that they will showcase the major international tournament. The two domestic broadcasters will once again share the rights, with both showing the final together.
Reflecting on the agreement, Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "BBC Sport has been a long-standing champion of women's football, helping to elevate the game to where it is today - a sport which is experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and reach across BBC Sport platforms.
"From domestic leagues to major international tournaments, we've brought the defining moments to millions across the UK already, including this summer's Euros. Extending our partnership with FIFA alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women's World Cup remains free-to-air - continuing to inspire audiences across the UK, and bring in new fans of the game."
ITV's director of sport, Niall Sloane, added: "ITV is proud to play a key role in supporting the tremendous growth of women's football in the UK. ITV Sport is the home of the Lionesses and it's vital we ensure tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 remains free-to-air for generations of football fans to enjoy, with support of the game at an all time high.
"ITV's coverage of the Lionesses victory over Italy in the UEFA Women's Euros 2025 semi-final delivered ITV's biggest peak audience of the year with 10.2 million people tuning in, highlighting the brilliant support and interest in women's football. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 is sure to be another standout tournament and we look forward to continuing our relationship with both FIFA and the BBC," reports Football London.
Despite finding themselves as marginal outsiders headed into Sunday's Euro 2025 final, the Lionesses were ultimately able to defend the crown they secured with a 2-1 win over Germany three years ago. Mariona Caldentey looked to break the hearts of England fans when she opened the scoring for Spain in the 25th minute with a towering header past Hannah Hampton.
However, Alessia Russo clawed one back for England with 57 minutes played, connecting with the ball as Chloe Kelly whipped it into the centre of Spain's area, before finding the top left corner. A nail-biting final third ensued as neither the Lionesses nor Spain could break the deadlock, with extra-time also proving indecisive and leading to an anxiety-ridden penalty shootout.
Beth Mead saw her initial conversion ruled out after slipping and connecting with the ball twice before finding the back of the net, subsequently missing her retake before Patricia Guijarro gave Spain the advantage. Alex Greenwood then pulled the Lionesses level before Hampton pulled off a breathtaking save as Caldentey stepped up for Spain's second.
Niamh Charles gave England the lead for the first time, before Hampton scrambled across her line to preserve it, denying Aitana Bonmati. Both Leah Williamson and Salma Paralluelo missed their own chances in the fourth wave of spot kicks, before Kelly won the game for her nation by hammering home past Cata Coll.
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