On February 11, 2026, French football was plunged into a new crisis as Nicolas de Tavernost, the CEO of LFP Media and the visionary behind the Ligue 1+ streaming platform, announced his resignation. The decision follows a dramatic turn of events in which beIN Sports outmaneuvered the league’s own platform to secure the broadcasting rights for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups.
The “World Cup War”: beIN vs. Ligue 1+
De Tavernost had positioned the 2026 World Cup as the ultimate catalyst for Ligue 1+ growth.
- The Failed Deal: Ligue 1+ had reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with FIFA to broadcast all 104 matches for approximately €20 million. The goal was to attract 200,000 new subscribers during the summer gap.
- The beIN Counter-Strike: In a last-minute offensive, beIN Media Group (led by PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi) secured the rights for both 2026 and 2030 in a package valued at roughly €60 million (€27M for 2026 and €34M for 2030).
- The Tension:Â De Tavernost reportedly felt “slighted” and “threatened” by beIN’s move, viewing it as a direct attack on the league’s autonomy by its most powerful club owner.
The Success and Uncertainty of Ligue 1+
Despite the current turmoil, de Tavernost leaves Ligue 1+ in a strong operational position:
- Subscriber Growth: The platform reached 1.2 million subscribers by early 2026, exceeding its debut-season target.
- Financial Footprint: While beIN will cease broadcasting its single Saturday match after this season, Ligue 1+ is set to become the exclusive home for all French top-flight games starting in late 2026.
- Transition:Â De Tavernost will remain in his post until a successor is found to ensure stability during this “turbulent zone.”
A Relationship in Tatters
The resignation highlights the deteriorating relationship between the LFP and beIN Sports. Last summer, beIN claimed €29 million from the LFP due to payment delays and contractual disputes. With beIN exiting its domestic Ligue 1 contract soon, the league’s reliance on its own DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) model is now absolute, leaving no room for strategic errors.
“I am no longer in a position to effectively carry out my mission at the head of LFP Media.” — Nicolas de Tavernost to the LFP Board.