BeIN SPORTS, the Qatari sports network, is currently in a dispute with Ligue 1 officials over broadcasting payments. The network had previously secured a last-minute deal alongside DAZN to broadcast French top-flight matches. However, it has been reported that beIN SPORTS has been late in submitting their initial payments.
In the agreement between beIN SPORTS and DAZN with Ligue 1, they were supposed to jointly pay the French league just over $550 million per season. Of this figure, DAZN accounted for about $440 million while beIN SPORTS was responsible for the remaining $110 million.
However, due to missed payments by beIN SPORTS, Ligue 1 officials informed their teams that they should expect less money from the broadcasting agreement. As a result of this shortfall in funds from Bein Sports' side of the deal, French top-flight clubs were told that they would receive approximately 24% less funds than initially agreed upon.
Network's perception of Ligue 1's value
The ongoing issue seems to stem from Bein Sports' perception of Ligue 1’s viewership and attraction not matching their previously agreed deal. Despite securing an important Saturday time slot typically reserved for games featuring Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of France's most popular teams; Bein Sports reportedly believes that this specific broadcasting window has lost its appeal.
This sentiment is largely attributed to PSG losing several star players such as Kylian Mbappe who recently departed for Real Madrid following Lionel Messi and Neymar's exit as well. This lack of superstar presence within PSG is believed by some to have diminished its allure significantly.
Complications arising from ownership links
The situation becomes more complex considering Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s dual role as chairman of SPORTS and PSG president. The club is the marquee side in Ligue 1, with its revenue and squad value dwarfing all other teams in the division. This puts PSG in a much better financial position compared to their French rivals.
However, recent cost-cutting measures by Qatari-owned PSG have raised concerns about the future of the beIN SPORTS broadcasting deal. Despite previous years of heavy spending on new players, this summer saw relatively modest expenditure from Al-Khelaifi’s team.
BeIN SPORTS has also faced criticism for its handling of Ligue 2 broadcasting rights. After paying around $50 million to air second-tiered French games, many fixtures were moved from Saturday to Friday night to accommodate broadcasting schedules. This switch was met with significant backlash from fans of Ligue 2 teams. While Bein Sports' late payments have caused a stir within French football circles; it's clear that there are deeper issues at play here involving perceptions of value and complex ownership links which will need careful navigation if an amicable resolution is to be found.
