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BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
An 'exciting summer' of women's sport lies ahead
Sitting together, laughing and chatting, at The Oval cricket ground in south London, Ellie Kildunne, Niamh Charles and Sarah Glenn could pass for any other 25-year-olds. But they are professional sportswomen who each have huge summers ahead of them in an England Charles is hoping to help the Lionesses defend their Women's Euros title in Switzerland in July, before Kildunne aims to lift the Women's Rugby World Cup in England in September and Glenn targets Cricket World Cup glory in India in the same sport takes centre stage across the BBC this summer and it is an ideal time to bring the trio together, to compare and contrast stories and hear how preparations are going. How big could this year be for your sport? Footballer Niamh Charles: We know that the expectation is going to be there after winning in 2022. It's such an exciting prospect but it's not the exact same as we're a new team. The women's game is growing so much. All the other teams have got so much better as well. It's about who turns up in the lucky we've had lots of good games before to prepare so I think we're not looking to peak right now, but when it comes to the Euros we're going to hopefully have used all those games to be in the best position from that first game and see what Sarah Glenn: We had a really tough winter [England lost 16-0 to Australia in the Women's Ashes]. We've got the India series coming up this summer at home and those games can be quite chaotic good rivals, we get good crowds in and obviously there will be that pressure for us, it's just a great opportunity to show how good we are and to get those wins and, obviously with Lottie [head coach Charlotte Edwards] coming in and Nat Sciver-Brunt as the new captain too, it will be like a breath of fresh air for the a really exciting summer. I trust in the process and let the outcome take care of union player Ellie Kildunne: People expect a lot from us, being a successful we were expected to win the last World Cup and we didn't, so it is a really huge tournament. Everyone shows up for major tournaments so it doesn't matter what the world's saying about how well they expect us to do, we know there's a lot of work to be fact that people are expecting something massive from us is a very cool and special place to be, but we know that there's work to be done still looking to improve, we can still get better and as long as we can keep striving for better and the best, I think we'll be in a very good spot come this World Cup. When did you decide to become a professional athlete? Kildunne: I played quite a lot of sports growing up and I didn't really know what path to go down, because I just loved playing I was playing rugby for Gloucester, I was also sneaking home on the weekends and playing I got asked to play rugby for England and was given a contract. That's when I knew that it could be a profession, and I could be a full-time really getting into that place now where the game is definitely growing. There's more investment going into it and you can see that professionalism, and how that can really accelerate the growth of the sport. Glenn: I played cricket and hockey. Balancing those two was pretty tough and I did think about which path I wanted to take. I played in the Kia Super League in 2017 and it was my first professional tournament. It was really inspiring because we were getting crowds in and there were young kids coming to watch us, and we could chat to them I picked up my first England contract, even though that was amazing, there wasn't too much structure to the domestic game. There was a huge amount of pressure on that England contract because otherwise I'd have to pick up a job alongside more contracts have come into our domestic league. I can represent England and my county, which I'm really proud to do as well. And that for me was the biggest turning point. No matter who I was, I could make cricket my lifestyle. How much do you look to older team-mates who have seen the progression and professionalism of women's sport? Charles: That's always a conversation. And I would say the generation that's coming through now will have it even better than us, and that's what we're striving for in the women's I speak to Lucy Bronze, she talks of working two jobs and doing loads of different things to get to the professional point now.I see her in meetings, advocating for how much the women's game is growing. The revenues have grown, the investments are growing and she's really at the forefront of that because she's had to women's game has grown and I think 20-year-old Lucy wouldn't believe what it would be now. She's been massive in forcing the women's game to keep up with how it's growing, she's pushing it, but also advocating for what we deserve and making sure that we're growing and it's As a team you don't really see an age. I know that there's girls who have been through two World Cups and for some, this will be their first World Cup. So we do a lot of collaboration of what to do a lot of connection points with the vintage Red Roses on how women's rugby started. We remember the heritage of it and one of our sayings and values that we go for is 'do it for the girls'.It's for the younger generation, the girls in our team and the girls that came before us. And I think that makes what we do a little bit more still got that inner passion to do more than what it is. The game is not just winning, it's much bigger than do it for the girls that came before, but also inspire the next generation and take it to a place beyond where it's ever I was in the crowd when England women won the World Cup in 2017 and I literally went as a big super fan, and was cheering the girls on.I thought it was amazing and I had a moment where I thought 'I really want to be a part of this' - because at that point I was training hard, but I didn't know if I could quite make it.I was involved with the England junior academies and then when I started training with the senior girls, I was training with Heather [Knight], and Katherine [Sciver-Brunt], who were a part of that World seen where the game was and where it is now, and how much they've grown the game. They really took me in as a youngster and now I feel like I've started to become one of the senior players, which is really weird to say. It's amazing to see that path grow. All aged 25 and in your prime? Kildunne: It was weird when I got World Player of the Year at 24 [years old]. I kind of didn't want it then because I didn't feel like I was at my best yet, and I still don't.I feel like I'm learning game to game where I can improve and get better. You can always get better. I don't think I'm ever going to be at the peak. I'd hope to never be at the peak of my game because I think you can always The last day before I retire, I should hopefully be at my best. I'd know everything, I'll have been around the block and I think every day I'm learning different margins about myself, like how I can get better in little things. So I like to tell myself as I get older that I'm just hopefully getting better and better. The best is yet to come, I've definitely learned how I go about things. In terms of my actual game, I feel like there's still so much more in me to give.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Chelsea's sale of their women's team to themselves - what does it mean?
What is going on with the ownership of Chelsea's women's team?In April, it emerged Chelsea had sold the team to parent company BlueCo for £198.7m, a process that helped put the wider business into last week it was announced that Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, who has a track record of supporting women's sport, had purchased an 8-10% stake for £ deal looks like both a clever move to navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules, and a fantastic boost to Chelsea's already incredibly successful and dominant what is the background? Has the sale highlighted a loophole that needs to be closed? What does it mean for the transfer fund for Chelsea men? And how might Chelsea women develop further with this groundbreaking investment?BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella and Emma Sanders answer the key questions. How the sale was allowed and what it means Since consortium BlueCo's £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in 2022, the new owners have been known for taking advantage of gaps in Premier League long contracts - Chelsea spent almost £1.7bn in transfer fees in the five-year period to 2024. They were allowed to keep spending after spreading the costs of those fees across six, seven and eight-year deals. The tactic knows as 2023, Uefa reacted by changing its rules so transfer fees could only be spread across a maximum of five years of a player's initial contract. Later that year the Premier League followed homegrown players for 'pure profit' has also helped keep Chelsea within PSR. Chelsea sold Mason Mount to Manchester United for £52.5m in 2023 and Conor Gallagher for £33m to Atletico Madrid in Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was questioned about the sale of Gallagher last summer he called on the Premier League to change its financial rules so clubs do not feel "compelled" to sell academy financial accounts in April 2024, revealed the club sold two hotels to another sister company to keep them PSR compliant. The sales were ratified by the Premier League under what is termed a "fair market valuation" under the league's associated-party transaction club reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4m having also effectively sold the women's team and potentially other subsidiaries to themselves for around £ this loophole be closed? There was an attempt by the Premier League in June 2024 that failed to get enough votes. It looks set to be back on the table, alongside selling training grounds and other assets, prohibited by both Uefa and the English Football League (EFL).Chelsea are expected to now have enough financial headroom to spend on targets this summer including a striker, winger and central defender. One senior source believes the club will be "aggressive" in the market. What is the future for Chelsea women? Chelsea's domestic dominance has reached a new level this season under head coach Sonia Bompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes last FA Cup win over Manchester United at Wembley completed an unbeaten domestic season and a second treble in four years. They have won six Women's Super League titles in a described Chelsea as the "queens of global soccer" who will become a "billion-dollar franchise" as he watched Sunday's victory alongside wife Serena praised Ohanian's investment, saying it was about "values" and showed "respect" for the women's game and Chelsea's 42-year-old has invested in women's football previously, as the largest shareholder in American club side Angel City FC until it was sold in 2024 for £192.3m - the highest price for a women's sports team before this made it known publicly last summer they wanted to find a private investor for the women's team and that they had big ambitions for the stayed true to their word – even if there are benefits for the men's team – by breaking records in the women's transfer market and recruiting one of Europe's top coaches in January, USA defender Naomi Girma joined Chelsea in a world record transfer for a female footballer. The fee is believed to be in the region of £900,000 ($1.1m).The investment is significant for women's football in England and Europe. Selling minority stakes in a club has largely stemmed from the United Portman, America Ferrera, Mia Hamm, Sophia Bush, Abby Wambach and Eva Longoria have all invested in American club Angel City is a feeling it will grow in England with WSL Football – the company overseeing the country's top two tiers – continuing to develop the professionalisation of the more marketing opportunities, attracting better sponsorship deals and building a commercially viable brand are all high on WSL Football's priority have supported the influence of US billionaire Michele Kang, who led the way with her ownership of French giants Lyon, before taking over London City Lionesses, helping them gain promotion to the WSL this season. Former NFL superstar Tom Brady's input at Birmingham City has also provided a boost for the Women's Championship side. Chelsea's £200m valuation and how it compares The worth of the WSL champions is understood to have been benchmarked against Angel City's valuation. However, while The National Women's Soccer League club make £30m-a-year profit, Chelsea's women's team made a loss in their most recent finance expert Kieran Maguire said: "I think it is impossible to justify on a traditional valuation metric. "Newcastle were sold for twice their revenue, Chelsea men were five times their revenue despite being in crisis and Manchester United seven times – and they are the biggest brand in football."Chelsea women sold for 18 times their revenue, and the growth potential is uncertain."Dr Christina Philippou - a women's football finance expert - believes there are questions about how Chelsea's new ownership model will work but that it shows the "unrealised potential" for women's football."It is a high valuation for a lack of control," said Dr Philippou. "Given who the investor is and what they have done in women's sport with Angel City and the celebrity tie-in. There has to be questions about what the shareholding looks like."It is an indicator as where they see the market going. Buyers think there is a lot of unrealised potential."Dr Philippou believes certain WSL clubs will have raised an eyebrow at the developments in west London but warned similar investment in the women's game has both pros and cons."Arsenal women make more money than Chelsea women do," she added. "Last year £11m Chelsea, Arsenal £15m. "If you were Arsenal you'd be looking at that (£200m) valuation. They have a better set-up and better attendances."If I was Arsenal my antenna would be up and looking into that possibility. Big investors showing interest is a positive thing. Others will be willing to invest and agree partnerships."The negative side is that you have those willing to invest in their women's teams and those who are not."That can create a massive competitive imbalance. Having the same clubs win every year is not that exciting. Everyone wants excitement, broadcasters, commercial partners and supporters."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BBC gears up for stellar summer of women's sport
Women's sport is set to take centre stage this summer with a stellar line-up of major events. The Women's Euros, Women's Rugby World Cup and World Athletics Championships will be live across the BBC alongside Wimbledon, The Hundred cricket tournament and the tennis at Queen's, where women will compete for the first time in more than 50 years. To mark the start of a special sporting summer, BBC Sport is launching 'Names Will Be Made', a campaign that will champion sportswomen as we tell stories of resilience, passion and triumph. Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "The BBC has a strong legacy in championing women's sport and telling their stories to audiences. "No sidelines. No second billing. This summer is packed with top-tier women's competitions." Queen's (9-15 June): Tennis kick-starts BBC Sport's summer schedule. For the first time in more than 50 years women are competing at the historic Queen's Club in London. The grass court season continues throughout June and July with Nottingham, Eastbourne and Wimbledon, all live across the BBC. Women's Euros (2-27 July): All eyes will be on the Lionesses as they set out to retain their title as European champions in Switzerland from 2 July. Wales have also qualified for the Women's Euros, their first ever major tournament. Follow the tournament live across the BBC. The Hundred (5-31 August): There will be live coverage of the annual cricket competition of eight double headers, featuring both women's and men's matches, including the opening matches and finals. Women's Rugby World Cup (22 August-27 September): All four home nations are competing and, off the back of clinching the Women's Six Nations, England's Red Roses will be hoping to secure the trophy in front of home fans. Every single second will be live exclusively across the BBC. World Athletics Championships (13-21 September) Tokyo is hosting the showcase where the best women in the world across track and field will compete, all live on the BBC.
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
BBC gears up for stellar summer of women's sport
Women's sport is set to take centre stage this summer with a stellar line-up of major Women's Euros, Women's Rugby World Cup and World Athletics Championships will be live across the BBC alongside Wimbledon, The Hundred cricket tournament and the tennis at Queen's, where women will compete for the first time in more than 50 mark the start of a special sporting summer, BBC Sport is launching 'Names Will Be Made', a campaign that will champion sportswomen as we tell stories of resilience, passion and Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "The BBC has a strong legacy in championing women's sport and telling their stories to audiences. "No sidelines. No second billing. This summer is packed with top-tier women's competitions." Five sporting events to get excited about in 2025 Queen's (9-15 June): Tennis kick-starts BBC Sport's summer schedule. For the first time in more than 50 years women are competing at the historic Queen's Club in London. The grass court season continues throughout June and July with Nottingham, Eastbourne and Wimbledon, all live across the Euros (2-27 July): All eyes will be on the Lionesses as they set out to retain their title as European champions in Switzerland from 2 July. Wales have also qualified for the Women's Euros, their first ever major tournament. Follow the tournament live across the Hundred (5-31 August): There will be live coverage of the annual cricket competition of eight double headers, featuring both women's and men's matches, including the opening matches and Rugby World Cup (22 August-27 September): All four home nations are competing and, off the back of clinching the Women's Six Nations, England's Red Roses will be hoping to secure the trophy in front of home fans. Every single second will be live exclusively across the Athletics Championships (13-21 September) Tokyo is hosting the showcase where the best women in the world across track and field will compete, all live on the BBC.
