Does Scott’s Disney+ exit unmask wider issue in coverage of women’s game?
Alex Scott has left Disney+’s coverage of the Women’s Champions League after presenting for two rounds, raising questions about how broadcasters are serving the women’s game as audience habits and media platforms change. Her departure comes amid technical problems and criticism of Disney+’s opening coverage, while broadcasters are experimenting with new formats to attract viewers.
Disney+ is in the second season of a five-year Champions League deal and introduced shows including a watchalong hosted by Scott and Shebahn Aherne. Scott has not given a reason for leaving, but said she was grateful for the opportunity and hoped to work with Disney+ again. Journalist Carrie Dunn says broadcasters struggle to balance the needs of newer and longer-standing fans, while the BBC is shifting coverage towards digital platforms and will end its WSL highlights show after the 2025-26 season.
- Alex Scott left Disney+’s Champions League coverage after two rounds.
- Broadcasters are testing new formats as viewing habits change.
- Experts say strong match coverage remains essential.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Scott’s departure, alongside technical problems and criticism of Disney+’s opening coverage, may point to a wider challenge: broadcasters are still working out how to serve the women’s game as viewing habits shift. They need to make coverage accessible to newer audiences while retaining the depth and familiar formats valued by established fans, and experiments that miss that balance risk weakening viewers’ connection with the sport.
The case against
One presenter’s departure does not by itself show that coverage of the women’s game has a wider problem, particularly as Scott has not given a reason and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Broadcasters are adapting to changing audience habits across media, and digital formats may help reach viewers who do not use traditional highlights programmes; early technical issues or criticism can be part of testing new approaches rather than evidence that the sport is being underserved.