UEFA Women’s European Championship 2023: A Preview

Record-Breaking Sales and Expectations

With the UEFA Women’s European Championship set to commence next week in Switzerland, interest in the tournament is at an all-time high. Over half a million tickets have already been sold for the 31 matches, as reported by Daniella Matar of the Associated Press (AP). Organizers are optimistic about surpassing the previous attendance record of 575,000, established at the England tournament in 2022, where 87,000 fans watched the final at Wembley Stadium.

Growth of Women’s Soccer

The surge in attendance reflects the increasing popularity of women’s soccer across Europe and the globe. Investments at both international and club levels are experiencing rapid growth. For example, during Euro 2009 in England, the average match attendance was just over 5,000. This figure rose significantly by Euro 2022, where the average climbed to 18,544.

Viewing Figures Surge

The increase in match attendance is paralleled by a rise in television viewership. Euro 2022 garnered a global cumulative live viewership of 365 million, which represents more than double the 178 million viewers from the 2017 tournament and a remarkable 214% increase from the 116 million in 2013. These upward trends not only illustrate the expanding fan base but also lead to enhanced sponsorship opportunities and increased prize money, benefiting grassroots soccer and clubs (AP, 6/26).

Star-Studded Broadcast Coverage

Fox Sports is making a considerable investment in its coverage of the Women’s European Championship, featuring a lineup of prominent figures in sports broadcasting. The studio coverage will be led by Soccer Hall of Famer Carli Lloyd, former player Julie Ertz, and analyst Ariane Hingst, a two-time World Cup champion with Germany. This tournament will mark Ertz’s first engagement with Fox, having previously appeared as a guest analyst during the SheBelieves Cup semifinals. Lloyd will serve as an anchor for her third consecutive summer tournament with Fox.

Additional Broadcast Team Highlights

• Alexi Lalas, renowned analyst and National Soccer Hall of Famer, will also join the broadcast team.
• Former player Stu Holden will contribute to the commentary.
• British broadcaster Jules Breach has been appointed as the network’s lead anchor for the tournament.

The UEFA Women’s European Championship is set to not only showcase elite soccer talent but also foster a greater appreciation of women’s sports, illustrated by both ticket sales and broadcast partnerships that promise comprehensive coverage of this landmark event (THE ATHLETIC, 6/27).