European women’s domestic club football often lacks jeopardy.  Dominant clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea and Lyon regularly and comfortably cruise to title victories making leagues less compelling.This summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championship offers a welcome contrast:

• 12 out of 16 teams face real uncertainty – that is, a 20-80% probability – as to whether they make the quarter finals
• Spain are favourites, but there’s still a 60% chance they don’t win
• Just 1-in-6 group stage matches have a favourite with a 75%+ chance of winning, compared to typically 1-in-3 or 1-in-4 in European domestic leagues

Jeopardy fuels excitement and excitement fuels fandom.The excitement that will be provided by this summer’s tournament will surely continue to attract new fans to women’s football. Domestic leagues must work out how to keep them hooked.