A new chapter has officially begun for the UEFA Women`s Champions League. The recent league phase draw has laid the groundwork for an electrifying 2025-26 season of top-tier European football. This innovative format abandons the traditional group stage in favor of a dynamic league phase, promising heightened unpredictability, drama, and intense competition.
While the men`s UEFA Champions League is already in full swing with 36 teams battling for supremacy, the women`s tournament is embarking on its inaugural league phase, featuring 18 participating clubs.
CBS Sports proudly serves as the official broadcaster for the UWCL, a role cemented by a new partnership agreement announced in May, extending through 2030. Supporters can catch all the league phase action across various CBS Sports platforms. Paramount+ subscribers will have access to live streams of all 75 matches each season, with certain fixtures also broadcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
The journey toward the final at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway, is officially underway, promising an exhilarating path. Key questions arise: which confrontations are unmissable, and in which teams will American players shine during this league phase?
Arsenal Kicks Off Title Defense
As reigning champions, Arsenal enters the competition with a target on their backs, boasting a squad rich in depth and experience. Coach Renee Slegers` team is set to challenge a formidable array of European powerhouses. Their schedule includes home matches against OL Lyon and away trips to Bayern Munich, alongside clashes with Real Madrid, Twente, Benfica, and OH Leuven.
USWNT fullback Emily Fox stands out as a key player in Arsenal`s defense. A consistent starter known for her impactful contributions across the field, she will be vital to the Gunners` aspirations for a second consecutive title. An interesting narrative also surrounds Jenna Nighswonger, who has seen limited involvement in USWNT camps since January and typically features in a substitute capacity for the champions.
These league phase fixtures will thoroughly test Arsenal`s squad depth, and coach Slegers` tactical adaptation to the new format will be paramount. Beyond monitoring Fox and Nighswonger, attention should also be paid to Spain`s Mariona Caldentey. She is a strong contender for the Ballon d`Or, vying with national teammate Aitana Bonmati, and a Champions League victory combined with her impressive tally of 23 goals and 18 assists presents a compelling argument for the prestigious award.
Chelsea`s Ambition Infused with American Talent
Chelsea continues its pursuit of the coveted Champions League title, a trophy that has remained just out of reach even during Emma Hayes` tenure. Following a period of significant domestic success, the squad enters the league phase with a strong desire to prove its European capabilities. Under head coach Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea has upheld its esteemed reputation in England since Hayes departed for the USWNT position, and their performance in the league phase will be critical in determining their path to the knockout stages.
Last season`s semifinalists, Chelsea, face a challenging set of opponents in the new format, including FC Barcelona, Wolfsburg, Roma, St Polten, Paris FC, and Twente. They are scheduled to host Champions League powerhouse Barcelona at home, along with Roma and Paris FC, while their away fixtures will see them travel to Wolfsburg, Twente, and St Polten.
USWNT forward Catarina Macario, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has been diligently recovering from a significant ACL injury and is steadily regaining her peak form. Naomi Girma`s record-setting transfer in 2025 highlights the team`s investment, while recent acquisition Alyssa Thompson will be looking to make a substantial contribution for the Blues on Europe`s grandest footballing platform.
OL Lyon Embraces the Yohannes Era
OL Lyon garnered significant attention this summer with the acquisition of promising teenage midfielder Lily Yohannes from Ajax. The 18-year-old chose to represent the USWNT, opting for the American badge over the Netherlands after careful consideration. Her profile within the U.S. national team has risen considerably, marking her as a premier talent for the program`s future.
Immediately upon her arrival in France, Yohannes made a striking impact, scoring a goal and earning player-of-the-match accolades in her debut against Marseille. She now plays alongside fellow USWNT midfielder Lindsey Heaps, who also featured in the season opener, collectively forming a burgeoning and dynamic American presence at one of Europe`s most celebrated clubs.
The eight-time Champions League champions have also bolstered their squad with 2024 Olympic gold medalist Korbin Shrader. Their home schedule includes matches against St Polten, Wolfsburg, and Atletico Madrid, while this French football giant will travel to face Juventus, Arsenal, and Manchester United in away fixtures.
American Stars in Paris
USWNT fullback Crystal Dunn became a part of Paris Saint-Germain during the winter transfer window, with the experienced player committing to the club until 2027. Primarily deployed in an attacking capacity for the Première Ligue team, she contributed two goals and one assist in six appearances last season.
Defender Eva Gaetino strengthens the backline as a central defender, known for her assertive play, frequently making crucial blocks and clearances. Gaetino made her senior national team debut in April 2024, having previously divided her time between senior and U23 national team camps.
For PSG to reclaim its prominent standing in the Champions League, stellar performances throughout the league phase are essential. Their home fixtures include challenging encounters with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and OH Leuven, while their away schedule features trips to Manchester United, Wolfsburg, and Benfica.
What Comes Next
With the league phase draw now concluded, the inaugural round of matches is set for October. Teams are expected to receive their full league phase schedules on Saturday, subject to final confirmation from UEFA, with the initial key games anticipated on October 7-8.
