Saudi Arabia launches 24/7 channel dedicated to women’s sports

Saudi Arabia has launched a 24/7 sports channel exclusively dedicated to women, marking a historic step in the kingdom’s efforts to promote female participation in sports.

The All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), co-founded by US comedian Whoopi Goldberg, has partnered with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the national broadcaster, Saudi Sports Company, to create the new channel, SSC AWSN.

The channel will be available on the MBC Shahid streaming platform starting 12th September, featuring one primetime match from the Saudi Women’s Premier League each week, along with coverage of international women’s sporting events.

Amill Lone, Chief Executive of Saudi Sports Company, said the collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and provides a global platform for Saudi women’s sports.

Women’s participation in sports in the kingdom has risen following recent reforms. Saudi Arabia did not send female athletes to the Olympics until 2012, lifted a ban on women attending sports stadiums in 2018, and only allowed girls to compete in public school sports from 2017.

Despite these advances, Amnesty International warns that women in Saudi Arabia continue to face legal and social discrimination, particularly in marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.