Streaming platforms have taken notice, too. From October 7, Disney+ will broadcast every match of the new Women’s Champions League season. The competition will debut in a new format, inspired by the men’s edition.
Thanks to the partnership with the streaming service, the technical quality of broadcasts will also rise: more cameras and commentary in the languages of all participating clubs.
Arsenal enters as the defending champion - the only English club ever to lift the trophy. Twice, in fact: first in 2007 and again this May. The Gunners wrote a fairytale this spring, defeating Barcelona, the dominant winners of the two previous editions, and bringing the cup back to London after 18 years.
That first triumph in 2007 was sealed by Alex Scott’s winning strike. Today, Scott is one of the most influential figures in promoting women’s football. After retiring, she transitioned to presenting and punditry, including regular work with the BBC.
A name like Alex Scott simply cannot be missing from the Champions League. This season, she will feature as a commentator. At the official season launch in London, Flashscore had the chance to sit down with her for an exclusive interview.
Alex, the Women’s Champions League has partnered with a streaming platform for the first time, and attendance and viewership for women's football are breaking records and growing every season. How does that feel for you?
"I think it’s an incredible moment to celebrate once again. We are not just showcasing games from the play-off stage, but showing people the whole journey. What it takes to finally get to that moment.
"I am happy for the teams that are not usually talked about because we only show the later games. But all teams deserve their moments. Let's showcase them and their star players from their countries."
It’s great that Disney+ is a worldwide platform. For example, in my country - Czechia - we don't have any team in the Women's Champions League right now. But we are still able to watch it.
"That’s what we want as well. People are being inspired to want to be in the competition. It’s important for the young girls, who are now able to watch the Champions League and they can say to themselves: One day, I can play for this team. That’s where it all starts."
Was this something you missed when you were a little girl? Had you dreamed about playing in big stadiums? Now it is possible, Arsenal Women are playing every home game at the Emirates.
"Yes, for me it was a different dream, wasn’t it? I saw men playing football in these massive stadiums and they were heroes, people, people I aspired to be like them. But they were all men and male footballers. I heard about names like Mia Hamm. She played in America, so far away from me.
"But now it’s totally changed. You don't get only young girls on the street now. You got young boys wearing Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson’s jerseys. You know, being on those stages filters down and allows young girls and young boys to see female role models."
I consider you a pioneer of the modern era of women’s football. Back in your days, when you were an active player, could you ever have imagined how big women's football would become?
"It’s still a pinch-me moment. We are finally here. I remember playing in the local cage where I grew up in East London and I dreamed about moments like this - lifting big trophies, filling large stadiums, being on TV and millions of people watching.
"Did I ever think this could happen in my time? Probably not. I always hoped and dreamed about it.
"So for me, to be part of the development of women’s sport and now the development of doing the job I do now and working with Disney+ to take it to the next level is just incredible. But there is a big 'but' in that. We can’t be happy to just be where we are at the moment. We still know there is a lot more to be pushing."
So what are the goals in the next few years? How big can women’s football get?
"It’s the fastest-growing sport, isn't it? I think we all know that parity in the league is important, so all teams can have their moments. I am dreaming about parity across all leagues. There are so many areas.
"When we talk about professionalising, it doesn't mean just money, but also the training facilities, physios and everything in the background. There is still so much work to be done."
In your point of view, what makes the Women's Champions League special compared to other competitions?
"It’s one of the greatest trophies. As a player, you always dream about lifting the Champions League trophy and having that moment. We see it every year when the players lift the trophy, how much it means and how much they want it.
"Take Chelsea Women and their history. They’ve managed to lift every single trophy but the one they really wanna get their hands on is the Champions League trophy. You know, once you get that name on that trophy, you are part of the history and that can never be taken away."
I like what you said in the opening that Arsenal gave the other teams hope. Everything was possible. The story Arsenal wrote last season is, to me, one of the best stories I have ever seen in sport.
"Everything is possible. That’s what we love about sport, so many different stories and you can't predict them. It’s really hard to say what’s gonna happen. Especially in finals, in those one-off games. Every player becomes their own little superhero.
"They never thought they would but they managed to pull off some magic and finally get their hands on the trophy after 18 years."
Do you feel that streaming platforms are changing how people experience and follow women’s football?
"Absolutely. Disney+ will be showing every single game and giving fans the chance to follow their team and not just one game with the biggest stars. Everyone can say: This is my team and I want to follow their journey.
"It reminded me of the reaction of OH Leuven players when they found out they would play against Arsenal and Barcelona. They were so excited that players they look up to would face them on the pitch.
"I loved their reaction. This is what I love about women’s football. It’s so special. There are so many stories to be told and we will do our best to make sure we bring them to life better than ever before."
Follow every match in the Women's Champions League with Flashscore.