Decision reached in $546 million deal for Ligue 1 rights in France

The ongoing pursuit of a domestic Ligue 1 TV rights holder in France has come to a close with two familiar broadcasters. DAZN and beIN SPORTS will combine to broadcast every game of the Ligue 1 season for viewers in France. The deal was completed just weeks before the Ligue 1 season begins. Kickoff for the 18-team league’s 2024/25 campaign is Aug. 16.

The deal between Ligue 1 and the two broadcasters also helps the future of the French league. DAZN and beIN SPORTS will collaborate on broadcasting Ligue 1 games in France from the 2024/25 season through the 2028/29 campaign. That five-year deal does not quite hit the lofty goals Ligue 1 set out for itself regarding annual revenue. DAZN, which will stream eight out of nine games every matchday, is paying $436.4 million annually for those rights. beIN SPORTS will broadcast one marquee matchup from every matchday for viewers in France. It is paying $109 million for those games.

The deal has immediate benefits. Several French clubs have been on the verge of bankruptcy without the benefit of a rights deal. The indecisiveness had major impacts on the financial stability of clubs like Nantes or Lens. These are not small clubs, either. Lens, for example, finished second in Ligue 1 in 2022/23 to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Now, these clubs, as well as others, can earn much-needed revenue.

No direct-to-consumer TV rights deal for Ligue 1 in France

This ends Ligue 1’s direct-to-consumer streaming service that was floated. American billionaire John Textor, the majority owner of French side Lyon, was a known proponent of the streaming service operated by Ligue 1. There was reason to believe it could have been viable. With its platform, Ligue 1 can control the content and have more say on advertising partners and broadcast decisions. Now, the league is at the mercy of beIN SPORTS and DAZN.

However, setting up its streaming service is costly. As seen with the financial struggles of several French…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/decision-reached-in-546-million-deal-for-ligue-1-rights-in-france/

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-07-15 21:38:49

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.