The final decision has been made: contrary to rumors, Ligue 1 is not returning to Canal+. After a summer of very advanced negotiations between Maxime Saada and Nicolas de Tavernost, the dialogue broke down amid disputes inherited from the post-Mediapro period. Now, the broadcasting of the championship is shifting towards an integrated logic: the Ligue 1+ channel, carried by the LFP, surpassed one million subscribers as early as September and is preparing to offer all matches from the next season. The encrypted group has secured the “premium” of its sports offer with the European cups, extended exclusively from 2027 to 2031, and maintains a clear positioning on the TV rights. The public therefore receives a clear verdict, even if it disrupts habits: a competition centralized on a new channel, a historic broadcaster focused on Europe, and clubs seeking financial balance. The stage is set, the stakes are total, and the battle of screens has chosen its side.
Ligue 1 on Canal+? The final decision says no
The verdict has been decided at the highest level: Ligue 1 will not reappear on Canal+ in the short term. Last summer’s discussions had nevertheless outlined a distribution agreement around Ligue 1+. They ultimately stumbled over the scars from 2020 and mutual distrust.
Concretely, the broadcasting of the championship is organized around the LFP channel. The goal is simple: gather all matches on a single platform from the next season, while beIN Sports still retains one highlight per matchday to close the current season.
Why this choice now? Because Canal+’s editorial offer focuses on the “best” content. And, for the group, the audience hierarchy places the Champions League ahead of Ligue 1. The message is clear and assumed.
What changes for subscribers: broadcasting refocused on Ligue 1+
From the upcoming season, the LFP announces it will be able to gather all football matches of Ligue 1 on its own channel Ligue 1+. For fans, the subscription process is simplified and the schedule becomes clear: one platform, nine matches per matchday, a unified appointment.
On the side of existing offers, beIN Sports still broadcasts its “headline” match per matchday at the end of the season. Then, the entirety will switch to the LFP ecosystem, barring any last-minute reversal. The customer promise is streamlined, and the ergonomics align with streaming usage.
- Where to watch: Ligue 1+ concentrates the broadcasting of the competition.
- When: complete switch announced for the next season.
- Prices and packages: LFP Media offers adjusted according to commitment and multi-screens.
- Quality: centralized production, unified branding, enriched match-center.
Canal+ strategy: priority to European cups 2027-2031
Canal+ has extended its TV rights on the Champions League and European cups for the 2027-2031 period. This security changes the economic equation. According to internal audiences, European nights far surpass Ligue 1, with a peak of about 4.1 million subscribers on a recent PSG–Arsenal match.
Within this framework, Canal+ assumes an editorial line: aiming for the “top of the top”, in sports as in series and cinema. The average basket per subscriber consolidates around premium, less frequent but more unifying events. It’s a value logic rather than volume.
The reason behind the choice: audience, costs, and offer consistency
Financially, Ligue 1 involves intense and costly production weekends. The return on investment then depends on a large and highly engaged subscriber base. Meanwhile, Canal+’s DNA rather reflects premium, identifiable, and regular evenings.
Sportingly, Europe delivers global matches, broadens the club spectrum, and improves retention. Winning strategy for the group, even if it frustrates part of the French public. It is the price of industrial coherence.
Timeline of a failed rapprochement between LFP and Canal+
In the middle of summer, a distribution agreement of Ligue 1+ via Canal+ seemed very close. The teams of Maxime Saada and Nicolas de Tavernost refined technique, editorial, and commercialization. Then the mechanism jammed.
The legacy of the Mediapro episode came back onto the table. Legal responsibilities, trust, and the governance of the signal derailed the signing. The relationship turned into a muted duel, each side sticking to its reading of the general interest.
| Period | Actor | Decision / Fact | Effect on broadcasting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last summer | LFP / Canal+ | Advanced negotiations to distribute Ligue 1+ | Agreement almost finalized, then sudden pause |
| September | LFP Media | Reached the 1 million subscriber threshold | Channel credibility strengthened |
| End of year | Canal+ | Extension of European cups rights 2027-2031 | Strategic priority confirmed |
| Next season | Ligue 1+ | All matches planned on the LFP channel | Unified fan journey |
In the end, the window closed. LFP moves forward alone on its channel, and Canal+ keeps its European evenings.
Impact on the competition, clubs, and fans
For the competition, centralized broadcasting promises a continuous narrative, homogeneous quality, and better-paced schedules. For clubs, the challenge remains value: turning the commercial momentum of Ligue 1+ into recurring revenues, able to compete with European standards.
For fans, the advantage lies in clarity. A single subscription to follow the full matchday, without app switching. Remaining is the challenge of perceived price, and the channel’s capacity to produce magazines, enriched data, and robust customer service. Loyalty will be played here.
| Platform | Content | Period | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1+ | All Ligue 1 matches | From next season | LFP channel, unified offer |
| beIN Sports | 1 match per matchday | End of current season | Transitional partner |
| Canal+ | European cups (including UCL) | 2027-2031 | Premium strategy assumed |
The public gets a simple roadmap, and players place their pieces. The rights battle continues, but the field is marked.
On the ground: fan experience and weekend appointments
For Karim, a long-time subscriber, Saturday night becomes simpler. He opens Ligue 1+ and follows his club, then continues with the Sunday multiplex. Then, replays and highlights fill the week’s gaps. The ritual strengthens, the fatigue of zapping disappears.
During the week, Canal+ takes over. European evenings concentrate attention and structure the schedule. The two offers stop cannibalizing each other. Each plays its part clearly, and the fan gains in clarity.
Is Ligue 1 returning to Canal+?
No. The final decision confirms the absence of Ligue 1’s return to Canal+. The LFP focuses broadcasting on its channel Ligue 1+, while Canal+ privileges European cups.
Where to watch all Ligue 1 matches next season?
On Ligue 1+. The LFP channel plans to offer all matches, with a unified schedule and dedicated services.
Why is Canal+ no longer investing in Ligue 1?
The group focuses on the most unifying premium content. The audiences and perceived value of European cups outweigh the profitability of a massive investment in Ligue 1.
Does beIN Sports keep any matches?
Yes, until the end of the current season, with one highlight per matchday. Afterwards, the complete switch to Ligue 1+ is planned.
What does this choice imply for French clubs?
Centralization on Ligue 1+ should turn subscription momentum into recurring revenues. The goal is to increase the value of domestic rights without relying on a single historic broadcaster.