French football league restructures TV rights

The French Professional Football League (LFP) has announced plans to restart the entire French championship for the period 2027-2032, following the launch of Ligue 1+, which has so far generated little revenue for the clubs. This move aims to address ongoing financial challenges related to television rights.

New tender for broadcast rights

The LFP has decided to launch a tender to broadcast Ligue 1 from 2027 to 2032 with the aim of finally resolving the television rights crisis. The tender will run from November 3 to December 7, marking a new chapter in the ongoing saga of securing broadcast deals.

Consolidation of broadcast rights

This consolidation is made possible by the recent adoption of the law on the financing of professional sports, which allows the LFP to offer a single package of all championship matches. Previously, the broadcast of Ligue 1 was divided into several packages, limiting the league's ability to negotiate as a unified entity.

League president outlines goals

Vincent Labrune, president of the League, stated in a statement transmitted to AFP that French football is now in a position to choose its future. He noted that clubs are experiencing a drastic decline in revenue from television rights and that the launch of Ligue 1+ has allowed the league to approach this new stage with serenity.

Government support for new approach

For the Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari, allowing the broadcaster to have the entire lineup of Ligue 1 matches will help restore some attractiveness to the product instead of fragmenting it. The League wants to attract new players, who will have the choice of either broadcasting Ligue 1+ or creating their own channel.

No confirmed broadcasters yet

Although Vincent Labrune mentions "concrete expressions of interest," no broadcaster names have been disclosed so far. A source close to the LFP indicated that they were not aware of any interested candidates when questioned by AFP.