Plot twist in TV rights: FIFA has accepted the offer from Ligue 1+ for the 2026 World Cup, subject to the final green light from its Board. The broadcaster of Ligue 1 proposes a package of about 20 million euros, including production, to co-broadcast the event with M6. The information, revealed to the presidents during the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 meetings, shakes up the end of the season: the LFP Media OTT would no longer be content with the championship, it would also occupy the summer break.
The timing intrigues but is explained: with a little over one million subscribers, the platform had to fill the June-July gap. This surprise changes the commercial and editorial game, while the standings sprint is in full swing and every decisive match feeds the suspense. One unknown remains: beIN Sports could counterattack. Losing the World Cup would be a strategic setback and the closeness between Nasser al-Khelaïfi and Gianni Infantino fuels all hypotheses. Who will broadcast what, when and how? Answers, stakes and scenarios.
Ligue 1+ and 2026 World Cup: the surprise reshuffling the end-of-season cards
The agreement in principle concerns France, for pay broadcasting in cohabitation with free-to-air matches on M6. FIFA has given its approval to Ligue 1+, but ratification by the Board is still pending. The outcome will occur before summer, to lock the editorial schedule.
The amount, close to 20 million euros including production costs, targets a return on investment through summer subscriptions and marketing coupled with the championship. Club presidents unanimously validated the move, according to the LFP. Nicolas de Tavernost, CEO of LFP Media, takes responsibility for this acceleration.
Why now? Because the break cuts off the flow of results and weakens retention. With the World Cup, the OTT maintains the editorial momentum born from the final sprint and extends engagement. This bridge reduces churn and supports the value of Ligue 1.
2026 World Cup TV rights: figures, schedule and decisions
Since 2014, beIN Sports held all pay rights in France. The 2026 cycle therefore opens on an unexpected duel. This time, Ligue 1+ pushes a turnkey offer, with production control and direct distribution via OTT.
The schedule is tight. Ratification by the FIFA Board must come quickly, in order to organize the schedule, advertising and technical flows. Meanwhile, a counter-offer scenario remains credible, given the image stakes for beIN.
| Broadcaster | Scope | Estimated amount | Status | Free/Pay | Key deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1+ | France, pay rights | ~€20M (production included) | Approval from FIFA, ratification by Board pending | Pay, co-broadcast with M6 | Validation before summer 2026 |
| M6 | Free-to-air matches | Not disclosed | Co-broadcast expected | Free | Programming to confirm |
| beIN Sports | Historical territory (2014→) | Not disclosed | Counterattack possible | Pay | Window for response before ratification |
To follow official steps, consult FIFA’s institutional calendar: fifa.com. Timing will guide marketing strategies and summer pricing.
Immediate impact for football fans and the championship
The promise is clear: no tunnel without results between late May and July. The OTT offers an editorial continuum, from the Ligue 1 sprint to the World Cup. The closely fought days, every decisive match, and the surprise team of spring feed the appetite. The audience will remain engaged, while the suspense will carry over into summer.
Technically, the switch requires a robust service: multi-stream, UHD, dedicated commentary and live statistics. Expectations rise, especially with a prime time audience peak. Production teams will have to keep up with the World Cup pace and expected quality.
- Retention: limit churn in June-July thanks to continuous premium content.
- Experience: multi-cam options and choice of commentary for the informed audience.
- Editorial: bridges between championship and World Cup to contextualize performances.
- Pricing: coupled summer offers and “run-in + World Cup” promos.
Ultimately, the user gains usage consistency, without consumption break.
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LFP Media strategy: production, distribution and subscription value
With a little over one million subscribers, Ligue 1+ targets summer elasticity. The idea is to convert the sprint momentum into sign-ups, then to secure the championship start. The presence of the World Cup becomes a natural bridge towards the new season.
Integrated production brings gains: signal control, unified branding, and enriched data. In distribution, the OTT capitalizes on TV and mobile apps, while seeking agreements with operators. Visibility on big screens remains decisive.
The ultimate goal lies in a simple equation: increased ARPU, decreased churn, and boosted awareness. This strategy also raises the appeal of Ligue 1 to partners.
The duel with beIN Sports: scenarios, risks and opportunities
beIN Sports would lose a symbolic asset. A counter-offer remains possible, with relational pressure on international governance. For FIFA, the decision concerns the reach, service quality and commercial valuation.
If Ligue 1+ keeps the advantage, the channel will strengthen its brand by association with the global event. If beIN overturns the table, the status quo will return, but the battle will have already repositioned the French OTT. In both cases, clubs will have put pressure to secure the summer.
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What clubs expect from this shift
The leaders unanimously approved the proposal from LFP Media. They anticipate increased exposure, a commercially active summer, and continuous storytelling around the championship talents. This coherence supports revenues and fan relations.
On the field, the end of the season will keep its intensity. The standings will be decided by fine margins, and the surprise team can still snag European qualification. Then, it’s on to the World Cup to continue. The editorial sequence will remain smooth, from the last day to the first kickoffs.
- Engagement: player-club-national team storytelling to link competitions.
- Monetization: partner packages “run-in + World Cup” and prime time inventory.
- Technical: production reinforcements to absorb simultaneous peaks.
In the end, the ecosystem gains a useful summer rather than a forced pause.
Has Ligue 1+ already secured the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA has accepted the offer from Ligue 1+, but the agreement still needs to be ratified by the Board. Co-broadcast with M6 is planned, subject to this final validation.
What is the interest for subscribers during the end of the season?
The platform avoids the June-July lull and links the Ligue 1 sprint with the World Cup. Fans keep results and premium content without interruption.
Can beIN Sports regain control?
Yes. A counter-offer remains possible before ratification. Losing the World Cup would be a major setback for beIN Sports and the publisher might try to overturn the decision.
How much does the operation cost for Ligue 1+?
The package approximates 20 million euros, production costs included. The goal is to amortize through subscription, advertising, and coupled summer offers.
What does this change for the championship?
Overall exposure increases. The storytelling links standings, decisive matches, and the season’s surprise team to the World Cup’s international stakes, maintaining suspense.