LFP Media is preparing to launch a new tender for Ligue 1’s domestic media rights, with the process potentially getting underway as early as October as French football looks to inject greater competition into its increasingly challenging broadcast market.
The league’s commercial arm is hoping that growing interest from streaming platforms, combined with potential legislative changes in France, will encourage more broadcasters and digital players to enter the bidding process.
The move comes after a turbulent period for Ligue 1’s domestic broadcasting rights. The French top flight has struggled to maintain the value of its media rights following several changes to its broadcasting model and uncertainty surrounding the future of its previous agreements.
Streamers could reshape the market
Streaming platforms are expected to be central to LFP Media’s strategy as it seeks to create a more competitive rights market.
Ligue 1 has already moved toward a more direct-to-consumer model with the launch of Ligue 1+, giving the competition greater control over the distribution and monetisation of its content. The platform emerged after the league’s difficulties in securing a traditional domestic rights agreement at the level it had targeted.
The potential October tender would therefore represent another attempt to broaden the pool of potential rights holders and attract new investment into French football broadcasting.
LFP seeks stronger competition
The previous domestic rights cycle highlighted the difficulties facing the French market. DAZN secured the majority of Ligue 1 matches for around €400 million per season, while beIN Sports took rights to one match per week for approximately €100 million per season.
However, the subsequent disruption surrounding DAZN’s agreement has increased pressure on LFP Media to find a more sustainable long-term model.
Against this backdrop, regulatory changes could also play a role in opening the market to new competitors. LFP Media is hoping that a combination of legislative reform and renewed interest from streaming services will generate a broader and more competitive bidding process.
If launched in October, the tender could become a key moment for Ligue 1’s commercial strategy and the future value of its domestic media rights, with the league seeking to rebuild competition among broadcasters while establishing a more stable revenue model for French clubs.