Ligue 1+ Bids €20m to Broadcast World Cup

Logo of the Ligue 1+ platform alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup emblem, representing the LFP's bid to become a major broadcaster for the upcoming tournament in North America.

In a strategic move to bolster its content library, the LFP’s dedicated platform, Ligue 1+, has submitted a €20 million offer to FIFA for the broadcasting rights of the 2026 World Cup. The proposal includes €18 million for rights and €2 million for production costs.

Key Strategic Details

  • Comprehensive Coverage: If approved, Ligue 1+ would broadcast the entire tournament, supplementing the 54 matches already secured by free-to-air broadcaster M6.
  • Exclusivity: Roughly 50 matches would be aired exclusively on the LFP platform.
  • Filling the Gap: The primary goal is to avoid a three-month programming void following the 2025-2026 season and maintain subscriber momentum before the next league start.
  • Unanimous Support: The initiative was presented by LFP Media CEO Nicolas de Tavernost and received unanimous approval from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs.

The final decision rests with the FIFA Council, though competition remains as beIN Sports and other players could still enter the bidding war.