More About

Raised in Staffordshire, Jacqui Oatley MBE developed a passion for football early on.

She studied German at the University of Leeds, graduating in 1996, before enduring a serious knee injury that ruled out any further amateur playing.

It was this setback that led her to pursue journalism, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism and then launching into sports reporting with BBC Radio Leeds.

Jacqui Oatley | Broadcasting Career & Key Milestones

After starting at BBC Radio Leeds, Jacqui’s journalism career quickly took off. In 2005, she became the UK’s first female football commentator on national radio (BBC Radio 5 Live), a significant milestone in sports media.

Two years later, she became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day on BBC One, covering a Premier League game in April 2007.

She has since worked across major broadcasters—BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, Quest TV, and internationally for FOX Sports—and covered numerous high-profile sports events including Olympics, FIFA Men’s & Women’s World Cups, European Championships, and WSL football fixtures.

She has also been the first female anchor for darts on ITV.

Jacqui Oatley MBE | Media, Corporate & Speaking Work

Jacqui Oatley is a polished event host and speaker with an engaging presence. She regularly compères at landmark events for organizations such as:

FIFA

The FA

Premier League

Goldman Sachs

BNY Mellon

and schools and universities. Her versatile voice also guides podcasts, including ‘The Molineux View,’ focused on Wolverhampton Wanderers, exuding her Wolves fandom and candid commentary style.

Jacqui has always had an innate passion for a wide range of sports, and as the UK’s first female darts presenter she’s hosted ITV Sport’s PDC tournaments since 2015.

She has also reported on tennis, golf, rugby league and snooker events.

In 2016, Jacqui was awarded an MBE on the Queen’s New Year Honours List for her broadcasting services and dedication to diversity in football.

Jacqui Oatley is a strong advocate for women in sports roles, especially football and goes out of her way to promote female equality in the sport.

Jacqui Oatley MBE | Advocacy

Beyond her broadcasting achievements, Jacqui Oatley has been a tireless advocate for equality, inclusion, and the advancement of women in sport.

She has championed greater representation of women in football media and leadership roles and has worked closely with organisations such as Women in Football, where she supports initiatives aimed at encouraging female participation at all levels of the game.

After being the first woman to commentate on BBC’s Match of the Day, she was subject to harsh criticism and had to defend herself and the place of women in football.

Through mentoring, public speaking, and active involvement in panels and workshops, Jacqui has helped break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, inspiring the next generation of female broadcasters, journalists, and sports professionals.

Her advocacy extends beyond football, addressing wider issues of diversity and inclusion in sport, and she regularly uses her platform to highlight underrepresented voices, champion mental health awareness, and promote equality across all levels of sporting participation.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great Sports Presenter now to book female football presenter and sports host Jacqui Oatley MBE for your next corporate event.

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