Decisive turning point for Ligue 1: the championship board, meeting this Tuesday afternoon, is leaning towards an exclusive broadcaster from next season. The LFP is retrieving the marquee previously assigned to beIN Sports, which has notified in writing its withdrawal and has only paid part of the amounts due. The preferred option is to offer 100% of the matches on Ligue 1+, the new TV channel and direct platform of the League. The choice marks a media revolution for French football, after the Mediapro, Canal+, and DAZN upheavals. Objective: stability, control of broadcasting, and regaining control of broadcasting rights.
The financial challenge is major. The beIN contract provided for €78.5 million annually, plus €20 million in Qatari sponsorship never activated. In response, the LFP closes the resale market and bets on exclusivity to boost the growth of Ligue 1+, whose subscriber curve, slowed down, is around 1.1 million. Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille… everywhere, the same challenge arises: securing recurring and clear TV rights, while offering fans a simple experience. Launch is expected in the peak summer period, as the championship calendar requires. One simple question remains: can this strategy convert immediately from kickoff?
Ligue 1 exclusive broadcaster: decision, schedule and scope
The expected decision formalizes the shift to an exclusive broadcaster operated by the LFP via Ligue 1+. All the matches will be centralized on a single platform, available in OTT and through distribution agreements with operators. The board intends to close the beIN saga and guarantee a unique, clear, and secure access.
Given the schedule, the switch will happen before the summer restart. Premium matches and the Sunday multiplex fall under the same umbrella. At this stage, no signal points toward a structuring resale to another player. The political will is clear: a single entry point, a unified discourse, and consistent editorial grids throughout the season.
Why exclusivity now
The recent sequence has weakened the value chain: Mediapro fiasco, disputes with Canal+, unsuccessful mediation with DAZN, then beIN withdrawal. French football needs budgetary predictability. Centralizing broadcasting rights reinforces the LFP’s control over the product and its editorial content.
From a sporting standpoint, a common narrative highlights each matchday. A unique editorial ecosystem limits redundancies and strengthens the competition identity. This strategy also aims to address fragmented consumption, with a product designed for mobile, TV, and second screen, without friction.
The message delivered to the market is clear: Ligue 1 protects its assets, speaks with one voice, and assumes a direct-to-consumer strategy. The bet favors the long term over the short term.
Economic impact and governance of TV rights
The break with beIN leaves an accounting hole. The contract provided for €78.5 million per season, plus potential €20 million in sponsorship. The LFP and clubs prioritize a gradual revenue recovery through the subscriber base. The TV rights become subscription revenue, more predictable if well executed.
The DNCG will monitor balance. Cautious trajectories are essential for payroll and investments. A stronger editorial valuation, combined with B2B offers for bars and stadiums, can smooth cash flows.
| Key element | Detail | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|
| Recovered marquee | Match initially assigned to beIN | Full control of the schedule |
| Unsecured amount | €78.5 million/year + €20 million not activated | Pressure to compensate via subscriptions |
| Current base | About 1.1 million subscribers | Starting point for growth |
| Strategy | Exclusivity Ligue 1 on Ligue 1+ | Clarity and value increase |
| Resale | Not a priority | Avoid fragmentation |
Consequences for clubs and competitiveness
More regular income supports sporting planning. Clubs adjust scouting and contract extensions based on more predictable cash flow. On the European market, an image of stability helps attract players and partners.
International visibility remains a relay. Specific export agreements can complement the domestic base. The core remains local and must convince week after week.
If the subscriber curve rises, the DNCG will have more latitude to approve responsible investment plans. The sporting field will follow the finances.
Subscriber experience: what the fan will live
A single entry point simplifies supporters’ lives. One app, one subscription, and a clear editorial line. The editorial promises consistent pre-match coverage, enhanced sidelines, and live analysis, without incoherent advertising breaks.
In a bar in Rennes, a manager will no longer juggle three remote controls. In Lyon, a family will follow the whole day from the living room, then on mobile. The product must be smooth, quick to zap, and stable at peak hours.
- Clear scheduling with fixed time slots.
- Multi-support connected TV, mobile, tablet, PC.
- Short formats for summaries and shared highlights.
- Editorial framework focused on on-field, data, and system tactics education.
- Professional offers tailored for bars and venues.
Relations with other sports media
Live broadcasts switch to exclusivity, but the ecosystem does not disappear. Radio, press, and free-to-air programs keep their amplification role. Quick excerpts on social platforms will funnel towards subscriptions.
The editorial mesh must avoid isolation. Good partnerships with generalist media enhance the competition and feed the season’s storytelling. Balance is key.
The challenges of an assumed media revolution
Succeeding in this media revolution will require flawless execution. The fight against piracy remains a daily battle. Subscriber acquisition must coexist with an anti-churn policy, trial offers, and presence with ISPs.
On the technical side, the platform must absorb audience shocks, ensure low latency, and provide flawless picture quality. ARCOM expects active cooperation on content protection. A short decision chain will help in case of incident.
Roadmap and key steps
The board will approve exclusivity then detail distribution. Technical tests will follow with a user panel. Launch aims for mid-August, aligned with the Ligue 1 calendar.
Priorities are clear:
- ISP agreements for wide distribution on TV boxes.
- Packaged offers for families and businesses.
- Differentiated editorial to highlight each marquee and tactical reveals.
- Strong and responsive anti-piracy.
If these milestones are met, the audience conquest can settle durably. The field will measure it from the first matchday.
When does exclusivity on Ligue 1+ start?
The switch is planned for the summer restart of the championship. The LFP must validate the board’s vote then announce the detailed schedule before launch.
What happens to the marquee previously with beIN Sports?
The LFP recovers this marquee. It will join the centralized offer so that 100% of the matches are available on Ligue 1+.
Will there still be matches or highlights free-to-air?
Excerpts and free-to-air magazines remain possible depending on agreements concluded, to promote the competition and support sports media coverage.
How to watch on TV, mobile or operator box?
Ligue 1+ will be accessible via OTT (apps and web). Partnerships with ISPs and connected TV manufacturers are expected to simplify access.
Is the subscription price known?
The pricing grid will be formalized by the LFP. Offers dedicated to bars and businesses will accompany the general public offer.