The broadcaster is looking to improve both digital and broadcast output
Sky Sports is to expand its coverage of women’s sport events.
The broadcaster is to increase output on its TV channels as well as its digital content through YouTube.
The women’s Six Nations, WNBA, Netball Superleague, and women’s cricket are among the events and sports that will gain from this move.
Recent years have seen viewing figures for women’s sport improve at a fast rate. Over 1.8 million watched England win the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final, and 550,000 tuned in to watch England’s Vitality Roses in the Netball World Cup semi-final last year.
Now more of this women’s sport will be available through the Sky Sports YouTube channel, in addition to a full schedule of coverage on the Main Event, Action, Arena, cricket, golf and Sky Sports Mix channels.
Managing director of Sky Sports, Rob Webster, said: “This is a natural next step to ensure that brand new audiences are able to connect with the drama and excitement created by the players and teams.
“Sky Sports News will continue to be at the heart of this pledge and will ensure consistent 24-hour editorial coverage of women’s sport across both linear and digital platforms. The evolution will mean no longer grouping women’s sport collectively in a standalone programme each week, but instead ensuring it is represented across our output in our rolling 24-hour coverage.
“We appreciate the responsibility we have, we know the platforms we own help sports grow and prosper, this is an important step in the right direction for our all-round coverage of women’s sport.”
Georgina Faulkner, head of multi-sport at Sky, added: “This digital-led initiative will bring more sporting stories to new audiences with the ambition of creating long-term connections for both existing and future generations.”