Arsenal Faces challenging Champions League Defense in New Format
NYON, switzerland – Reigning champion Arsenal will begin its Women’s Champions League title defense against a formidable group including record eight-time winner OL Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, as the competition launches a new league-phase format. The draw,completed Friday,also revealed a challenging path for Barcelona,which has reached the past five finals and won three,pitting them against Chelsea – whom they defeated in the 2021 final - and Bayern Munich.
The revamped 18-team competition shifts from a traditional knockout structure to a league phase, offering more matches and increased exposure for Europe’s top women’s clubs. teams will play six matches each, with the top four advancing directly to the quarterfinals, teams ranked fifth through twelfth entering a knockout playoff round, and the bottom six being eliminated.A total prize money fund of 18.2 million euros ($21.4 million) will be distributed, with each team receiving a base payment of 505,000 euros ($594,000) plus bonuses for results and advancement.
Bayern Munich also landed Paris Saint-Germain alongside Arsenal and Barcelona, creating one of the toughest groups. Chelsea will face both Barcelona and Wolfsburg, a two-time champion. Champions League debutant Manchester united will contend with OL Lyon, Wolfsburg, PSG, and juventus. Newcomer OH Leuven of Belgium will play both Arsenal and Barcelona.
The league phase is scheduled to begin on october 7 and conclude on December 17. The competition also boasts a new broadcast deal with Disney+ through the 2030 season, with select games also airing on free-to-air national networks.
