The top tier of French football, Ligue 1, is facing a potential financial catastrophe after the latest domestic TV rights deal fell significantly short of expectations. According to L’Equipe, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has sold the broadcasting rights to DAZN and beIN Sports for a mere €500 million—a deal that will have severe consequences for the finances of French football clubs. This stark reality means clubs are preparing for a 60% average decline in their TV revenues compared to last season.
TV Revenue Cuts to Deeply Impact Ligue 1
LFP president Vincent Labrune had set ambitious targets, envisioning a windfall of over €900 million for the league’s television rights, with aspirations of eventually surpassing €1 billion when considering international deals. However, the final agreement fell well short of these projections, creating a worrying situation for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs, who will now be allotted only €228 million—down sharply from the €600 million secured last year. To compound matters, operational costs for broadcasting have also surged from €156 million to €272 million, adding further strain on the league’s finances.
As a result of this financial squeeze, even heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain will feel the pinch. PSG, the reigning champions, could only expect to earn €22 million in television revenue if they clinch another league title this season. By contrast, last year they took home a significant €60 million from TV money, illustrating the drastic reduction in funding across the board.
Consumers Pay More as Coverage Falters
While the clubs brace for austerity measures, the situation is no better for the fans. French consumers now face the prospect of paying up to €45 per month to access Ligue 1 matches on television—a steep increase that reflects a “lose-lose” scenario for all parties involved. Despite these rising costs for viewers, access to Ligue 1 coverage is faltering abroad, as the opening round of fixtures won’t be aired in countries such as England, Spain, and Italy. The LFP is reportedly still in negotiations to secure international broadcasting partners for these key markets.
In the midst of this upheaval, it’s clear that the future of French football is at a crossroads, with both clubs and fans enduring a harsh reality of financial constraints and limited access.
