The buzz around English women’s football is back in full swing as the Women’s Super League (WSL) 2025-26 season kicks off, less than six weeks after the Lionesses’ unforgettable Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland. Fans across the UK—and the world—are gearing up for another rollercoaster campaign, with BBC Sport leading the charge in comprehensive coverage, broadcasting 21 matches live on network TV and BBC iPlayer. The anticipation couldn’t be higher, and why not? With new faces, big transfers, and England’s Euro heroes returning to club action, storylines abound as the league gets underway this Friday, September 5, 2025.
The opening weekend wastes no time serving up a blockbuster: Women’s Champions League winners Arsenal are set to welcome newcomers London City Lionesses to the Emirates Stadium at 13:30 BST on Saturday, September 6. The match, broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, promises to be a showcase of top-tier talent. England’s Euro-winning stars Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Alessia Russo could all feature for Arsenal, giving fans a chance to see their heroes back in action on home soil. The Emirates will surely be buzzing as supporters hope to catch a glimpse of these icons just weeks after their international glory.
Behind the microphones, BBC Sport has assembled a dream team of presenters and pundits. Alex Scott, Jeanette Kwakye, and Betty Glover will rotate presenting duties, while expert analysis comes from Ellen White, Fara Williams, Steph Houghton, and Anita Asante. For the play-by-play, Robyn Cowen and Vicki Sparks take the lead, with Rachel Brown-Finnis and Gilly Flaherty providing color commentary. It’s a lineup that ensures fans are never far from expert insights or lively debate.
The excitement doesn’t stop after the first whistle. The second marquee BBC broadcast will see Everton take on Tottenham Hotspur at 14:30 BST on Sunday, September 14, available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. A week later, Arsenal returns to the spotlight, traveling to face Manchester United on Sunday, September 21, at 14:50 BST. With such a packed broadcast schedule, supporters can look forward to high-quality matches and coverage throughout the season.
But what about those who miss the live action? BBC Sport has that covered too. The Women’s Football Show returns, offering highlights from every WSL game. Hosted by Betty Glover and Ben Haines, the show airs Sundays from 21:00 BST on iPlayer and later at 23:30 BST on BBC One. Digital highlights will be available on the BBC Sport website, app, and even on the BBC Women’s Football TikTok account. For those who prefer podcasts, Ben Haines hosts BBC Women’s Football Weekly, joined by former Lioness Ellen White and Scotland international Jen Beattie, promising in-depth discussion of the latest news, fixtures, and transfers.
And for fans who can’t get enough of the personalities behind the game, the Tooney & Russo Show is back with 10 new episodes on BBC Sounds and BBC Sport’s YouTube channel, bringing fresh insights and behind-the-scenes stories from some of the WSL’s brightest stars. It’s an all-encompassing media blitz, ensuring women’s football stays at the forefront of the sporting conversation.
On the pitch, the narratives are just as compelling. The majority of Sarina Wiegman’s victorious Euro 2025 squad are set to return to club duty, with only minimal transfer activity among the 23 Lionesses who lifted the trophy in Switzerland. That said, deadline day delivered one of the summer’s most eye-catching moves: Grace Clinton swapped Manchester United for Manchester City, while Jess Park made the reverse journey, joining United from City. According to GOAL, this double deal has the potential to shake up both squads and inject fresh intrigue into the title race.
It’s not just the headline-makers making moves. Several players on the fringes of Wiegman’s England squad have also shifted clubs during the summer window, promising new dynamics and opportunities for breakout performances. With the Lionesses’ Euro success still fresh in everyone’s minds, all eyes will be on how these stars adapt to new environments and whether they can translate international momentum into domestic dominance.
For Arsenal, the pressure is on to maintain their position at the pinnacle of women’s club football. Having secured the Women’s Champions League title last season, the Gunners are entering the campaign with a target on their backs. The presence of Alessia Russo—last season’s joint-top WSL goalscorer with 12 goals—gives them a potent edge up front. According to BBC Sport, "Arsenal’s Alessia Russo was the joint-top goalscorer in the WSL last season with 12 goals." Fans will be eager to see if Russo can repeat her goal-scoring heroics and lead Arsenal to further silverware.
Meanwhile, newcomers London City Lionesses are relishing their first taste of top-flight football. Facing Arsenal at the Emirates is no small task, but the underdogs will be looking to make a statement and prove they belong among England’s elite. It’s the kind of David vs. Goliath matchup that has defined so many memorable moments in football history. Can the Lionesses spring a surprise, or will Arsenal’s experience and star power prove too much?
The season ahead is also set to be defined by the stories of England’s Euro heroes. With the vast majority of Wiegman’s squad staying put at their clubs, fans can track their favorite Lionesses throughout the campaign. The dynamic between established stars and emerging talent promises to keep things fresh, as fringe players who moved during the transfer window look to break into the spotlight. Over the next nine months, the WSL will be a stage for both redemption and new beginnings.
Looking further ahead, BBC Sport has confirmed it will broadcast the Women’s League Cup final live later in the season—a fixture that has become one of the highlights of the English football calendar. With the stakes rising and the quality of competition higher than ever, the road to the final is sure to be filled with drama and unexpected twists.
Off the field, BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything service is back, promising to answer fans’ burning questions and deliver exclusive content from behind the scenes. The initiative will draw on a network of experts and pundits, providing coverage across the BBC Sport website, app, social media, YouTube, TV, and radio. It’s all part of a concerted effort to keep fans informed, entertained, and engaged throughout the season.
With the WSL’s opening weekend upon us, anticipation is sky-high. Whether you’re tuning in for the star-studded Arsenal-London City Lionesses clash, following the latest transfer twists, or catching up with highlights and podcasts, there’s never been a better time to be a fan of English women’s football. The action is about to begin, and with so many storylines in play, this season promises to be one for the ages.
As the first matches kick off and the drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the pitch—and on the screens—across the country. The Women’s Super League is back, and it’s ready to deliver excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments once again.
