Entertainmentupdated 1h ago2 min read
Alex Scott Steps Away From Disney+ Women’s Champions League Coverage After Technical Issues
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Alex Scott left Disney+ Women's Champions League presenting role after two rounds. Departure followed criticisms of production quality and tone.
6 outlets told this the same way.
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Scott steps away
Alex Scott stepped away from Disney+ coverage of the Women’s Champions League after two rounds of matches, with the streaming giant in the second season of a five-year deal to cover European football’s flagship competition. Disney+ introduced new formats including a watchalong show with Scott alternating presenting duties with Shebahn Aherne, but technical issues drew criticism including an unscheduled advert break during Arsenal’s game against HB Koge.
Scott told BBC Sport she was "grateful" for the opportunities she had at Disney+ and hoped to "continue working together" in the future. The Guardian said Scott’s departure was her decision to walk away and focus on other projects, including her show One More Word WSL with Anita Asante and Fara Williams.
Backlash and format
Viewers criticized Disney+ for an unscheduled advert break that interrupted the second half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over HB Køge for more than three minutes.
Scott addressed the matter with the Observer, saying, "Ultimately, do I agree with all the decisions that were made? Absolutely not."
Scott also told the Observer that she could "hold my head up and know that I've always tried my best for the greater good of women's sport."
Disney+ issued a statement thanking Scott for her contribution, and the statement said, "We wish her every success."
What broadcasters face
Journalist Carrie Dunn said the challenge for broadcasters covering the women’s game is that they are "not sure who the audience is," and she added that budgets are being cut while "the same presenters and the same pundits" try to reach everyone. Aston Villa interim boss Brian Sorensen said coverage innovations are "trial and error and finding the right way for us," and he pointed to progress from "the worst live stream you've ever seen" to where they are now.
Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz said the most important thing is that it is "available and that people can see the best players on TV or live," and he argued, "The more, the better, no matter what." Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor said, "Anytime you try to do something new, you will please some people and upset others," and she told BBC Sport that the right approach requires patience and analysis.