The Professional Football League (LFP) has finalized a broadcasting rights agreement for Ligue 1 from 2024, ten months after the TV rights went on sale. The deal, concluded with DAZN and beIN Sports, sees the British platform paying €400 million for eight of the nine matches each day, while the Qatari channel will pay €100 million for the remaining match. This €300 million shortfall from the expected €800 million will have significant repercussions on French football.
Clubs such as Montpellier, whose president Laurent Nicollin highlighted the uncertainty in the transfer window, will face financial constraints. These constraints may force clubs to recruit more prudently or settle for less talented players, and even reduce salaries, which could impact the performance of French teams in European competitions. Additionally, the cost for supporters to watch Ligue 1 will increase significantly, with DAZN subscriptions ranging from €30 to €40 per month, compared to last season's €22 per month with Amazon Prime Video.
The new broadcasting rights deal raises concerns about the proliferation of illegal streaming as fans may turn to piracy due to the high costs. Despite efforts to combat illegal streaming, it remains a viable option for many supporters. The LFP's decision-making, particularly under the leadership of Vincent Labrune, has been criticized for overestimating the value of Ligue 1, reminiscent of the Mediapro fiasco.
The entrance of DAZN as a major player in Ligue 1 marks a significant shift. The British group, already established in Italy, Spain, and Germany, obtained eight of the nine matches per day, while beIN Sports secured the last match. The exact cost for viewers remains uncertain, but estimates suggest a combined fee of around €49 per month for full access to Ligue 1. This includes a €34 subscription to DAZN and a €15 subscription to Canal+, which hosts beIN content.
Canal+ holds a pivotal role in this new broadcasting landscape. The channel, which broadcasts the Premier League and European Cups, could potentially distribute matches purchased by DAZN through a new agreement. This would allow Canal+ to offer a comprehensive football package, combining national and European matches, providing football content every evening of the week. Additionally, beIN Sports holds exclusive rights to the Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ligue 2, further enriching the football viewing experience for subscribers.
- For the past decade, watching football in France has required both a responsive remote control and a substantial budget. The rights to different competitions have frequently changed hands between historical channels and streaming platforms. This trend continues with the new agreement for Ligue 1, involving DAZN and beIN Sports.
- The dispersion of broadcasting rights across multiple platforms raises concerns about piracy, particularly through IPTV and Telegram. Despite efforts to curb illegal streaming, it remains a persistent issue, similar to the challenges faced with doping in sports. The legal offer for football in France now includes DAZN, a significant player with interests in multiple European countries, and beIN Sports, which has returned to the fold.
- The exact cost for viewers to access all Ligue 1 matches remains to be determined, with DAZN's subscription fees and potential pay-per-view options under consideration. Canal+ plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, potentially offering a comprehensive football package that includes both national and European competitions. This package could provide a seamless viewing experience for football fans, combining various leagues and tournaments.
- Broadcasting rights for the French national teams are more straightforward. The men's team, Les Bleus, will be exclusively broadcast on TF1 until 2028 for qualifying, Nations League, and friendly matches. Major tournaments will be subject to specific negotiations. The women's team, Les Bleues, will have their matches shared between France Télévisions and W9 until 2027. The French Cups for both men and women will be broadcast by France TV and beIN Sports.
