In a groundbreaking move, sports streamer DAZN has become the new home of top-division soccer in France after finalizing a five-year deal reportedly worth €500M ($540M). The deal comes after fears of Ligue 1 starting without an official broadcast partner, as negotiations had previously stalled. The departure of star players such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi had also raised concerns about the league’s star power.
The joint bid from DAZN and BeIN Sports has now been confirmed, with DAZN set to broadcast all 306 matches through a dedicated ‘Ligue 1 McDonald’s experience,’ which is expected to be a branded streaming service. This deal, costing around €400M per season, includes eight live Ligue 1 matches per matchday, Champions Trophy and play-off games, as well as an extensive highlights package. Pay-TV provider BeIN Sports, on the other hand, will pay approximately €100M for the 5pm Saturday match, which will be available on DAZN after a seven-hour delay.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel expressed relief after securing the agreements with DAZN and BeIN Sports, ensuring the financial stability of French clubs, especially those newly promoted from Ligue 2. Vincent Labrune, President of the LFP, emphasized the importance of the unity of French football in reaching these agreements, which will benefit the development and attractiveness of the sport in the country.
Both DAZN and BeIN Sports have expressed their commitment to the growth and success of Ligue 1. Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, highlighted the company’s belief in partnership and its responsibility to work with the LFP, clubs, and the broader French football ecosystem. Similarly, BeIN Sports released a statement expressing their pleasure in being appointed as an official broadcast partner for Ligue 1 in France.
With the new broadcast deals in place, French football fans can look forward to a new era of soccer broadcasting in the country. The innovative approach to production, marketing, and distribution promised by DAZN and BeIN Sports signals a positive change for the sport. As Ligue 1 enters this new phase with its new broadcasting partners, the focus remains on providing the best possible show for fans and continuing to elevate the sport’s value and reach in France.