Max Rushden reviews Disney+’s opening coverage of the Women’s Champions League, which combined former England internationals with content creators and a golden retriever. The programme’s light-hearted approach, including an Italian football quiz and a pasta-guessing game, prompted confusion and criticism from established followers of the women’s game, who argued that men’s football would not be treated similarly.

The article suggests Disney may have tried to attract younger viewers by combining analysis, entertainment and social-media-friendly features in one programme. Rushden acknowledges the challenge, but argues that women’s football often receives a single show expected to serve every audience, whereas men’s football benefits from separate formats offering both serious analysis and lighter entertainment.