From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Disney+ cuts to ads mid-match in Women's Champions League
Viewers missed three minutes of Arsenal's game when an unexpected commercial break interrupted the second half.
In brief
Viewers missed three minutes of Arsenal's game when an unexpected commercial break interrupted the second half. Disney+ blamed a technical glitch for the ad interruption during its exclusive Women's Champions League coverage, which it secured in a five-year European broadcasting deal. Originally reported by the…
Ad break crashes Arsenal match
Disney+ interrupted its live coverage of Arsenal versus HB Køge with about 15 minutes left in the second half. Viewers saw either ads or a "commercial break in progress" message for roughly three minutes.
No goals missed, but fans fumed
Arsenal won 1-0 with Mariona Caldentey's 93rd-minute penalty, so the ad break didn't cost viewers a goal. But commentators seemed unaware of the disruption and didn't acknowledge it.
Disney says it was a glitch
Disney+ confirmed the ad break was unintended and caused by a technical issue. The company said it's taking steps to prevent it happening again.
“Our Disney+ Standard and Disney+ Premium plans are without commercial interruption”
Disney won exclusive five-year deal
In 2025, Disney+ secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the Women's Champions League across Europe for five years, replacing previous rights holder Dazn.
Analysis show draws separate criticism
Disney+'s new coverage show, The Hangout, featured a dog in the studio and quirky segments like a pasta quiz. Viewers compared it to children's television rather than serious sports analysis.
“Disney's new UWCL coverage is the closest we've seen to CBBC football (derogatory)”
Disney open to feedback as season starts
The streaming platform said it will listen to audience reactions to The Hangout as the Women's Champions League season progresses, suggesting potential changes ahead.
What it means
Disney+ blamed a technical glitch for the ad interruption during its exclusive Women's Champions League coverage, which it secured in a five-year European broadcasting deal.
