On Wednesday, TF1 and the Professional Football League (LFP) announced a significant agreement regarding the television rights for the iconic French football magazine, Téléfoot. Set to air unencrypted, the show will return as the official Sunday morning magazine for Ligue 1 McDonald's, offering fans comprehensive coverage of the league's action. Viewers can expect match summaries, in-depth reports, behind-the-scenes features, player portraits, and exclusive interviews every Sunday morning at 11 a.m., starting August 25. This agreement revives a tradition that dates back to 1977, solidifying Téléfoot's place in the French sports broadcasting landscape.
The deal comes amid a tumultuous period for Ligue 1's media rights, with the British sports streaming platform DAZN securing the rights to broadcast eight out of nine live matches daily for an average annual fee of 400 million euros. Meanwhile, beIN Sports acquired the rights for one match per day for 100 million euros. Following a long negotiation process that began this summer, this agreement marks a pivotal moment for Ligue 1 as it seeks stability in its broadcasting arrangements.
Téléfoot, one of the longest-running shows in French television history, has undergone a makeover for its 48th season, featuring a new decor and fresh talent, including journalist Séverine Parlakou joining established presenters like Grégoire Margotton and Bixente Lizarazu. With the ongoing crisis in Ligue 1's TV rights negotiations affecting broadcasters in England, Spain, Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East, the return of Téléfoot promises to be a beacon for fans eager for reliable coverage of their favorite teams.
In addition to Téléfoot's revival, Free, a telecommunications operator, will continue to provide almost live highlights of Ligue 1 matches, ensuring fans have access to crucial moments from the games. As Ligue 1 navigates this complex media landscape, the return of Téléfoot is a welcome development for football enthusiasts across France.
