The LFP are set to launch a fresh consultation for the broadcasting rights for Ligue 1, according to a report from L’Équipe.
Broadcasting rights have been on the decline ever since the collapse of the disastrous MediaPro deal in 2020. Amazon came in at that point, but upon the conclusion of their contract, which soured relations with traditional broadcaster Canal Plus, it was DAZN that acquired the rights. However, the broadcaster was ultimately unhappy with the terms negotiated, as well as a perceived lack of effort in curbing piracy, which was hurting viewing figures.
As a result, one year into their five-year deal, DAZN pulled out. Ligue 1 Plus was formed, with beIN Sports, at the time, taking one of the nine Ligue 1 matches in the gameweek. Receipts for clubs decreased again and even more so since the withdrawal of beIN Sports this season. The LFP are now set to “sound out the market” as soon as October, L’Équipe understands. The consultation will regard the Ligue 1 broadcasting rights for the cycle that begins in 2029 and ends in 2034.
Since the start of the summer, Olivier Bramly, the successor to Nicolas de Tavernost, the now-former CEO of LFP Media, has been meeting actors potentially interested in broadcasting France’s top flight. There have been meetings with the likes of Amazon, Paramount, Apple, and Netflix, as well as more traditional partners, such as Canal Plus. L’Équipe report a “slightly more positive atmosphere” among the executives at Ligue 1 clubs.
