Women's Sport TV Tax Credits Sought by Broadcasters and Governing 2026

The push for women's sport TV tax credits has united top broadcasters, governing bodies, and sports executives in a formal plea to the UK government. The letter, signed by 25 leaders including the FA, RFU, ECB, Sky Sports, and ITV, requests that the audio-visual expenditure credit scheme be extended to women's sport production. This would provide vital tax relief to production companies, helping to deliver more television coverage and grow the visibility of women's athletics.

Why Tax Credits for Women's Sport Production Matter

Currently, independent films and children's television benefit from the audio-visual expenditure credit, but women's sport is excluded. The signatories argue that extending this scheme would lower production costs, making it more attractive for broadcasters to invest in women's events. The Women's Super League (WSL), the second-richest women's league globally after the US's NWSL, faces a congested market where broadcast deals are hard to secure.

The Impact on Coverage and Revenue

With every WSL fixture broadcast live this season and WSL2 games on YouTube, the demand for content is clear. However, the BBC's decision to axe The Women's Football Show highlights the financial strain. The RFU already subsidises BBC coverage of Women's Premiership Rugby, and the WSL has helped cover production costs. Tax credits would ease these burdens and encourage more comprehensive coverage.

Key Takeaways from the Tax Credit Proposal

• Extend audio-visual expenditure credits to women's sport production
• Reduce production costs to attract more broadcasters
• Increase live and highlights coverage across all sports
• Support growth of women's leagues and viewership

Expert Opinions and Industry Support

Nikki Doucet, CEO of the WSL, is among the signatories, alongside leaders from British Cycling, golf, and Formula One. The letter was sent to John Healey, coinciding with the WSL's return. This unified front underscores the importance of government intervention to level the playing field.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

If the government agrees, production companies would receive up to 34% tax relief, making women's sport more commercially viable. This could lead to more frequent broadcasts, better production quality, and increased sponsorship. The move would also align with the UK's commitment to gender equality in sports.

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