Qatari-based pay-TV network, BeIN Sports, has successfully secured the exclusive domestic broadcast rights to Ligue 2 matches. This significant deal marks a shift in the broadcasting landscape of French football.
The agreement is set to commence with the upcoming 2024/25 campaign and will run until the end of the 2028/29 season. According to reports from L’Équipe, BeIN Sports will pay an impressive €40 million (US$42.7 million) per year to the Professional Football League (LFP). This deal ensures that BeIN Sports subscribers will have access to watch every game of Ligue 2.
Prior to this agreement, BeIN had acquired two out of four Ligue 2 rights packages for a previous cycle. The remaining two packages were bought by Mediapro in a deal worth €64 million (US$68.4 million) altogether. However, following Mediapro’s contract termination with the LFP, BeIN became an exclusive broadcaster for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign.
Amazon also held some broadcasting rights during this period and showed eight games per week from Ligue 2 during seasons ranging from 2021/22 up until their contract ended in season 2023/24.
The future of Ligue 1 still unclear
With domestic rights now sold for France's second-tier soccer league -Ligue-2-, attention turns towards negotiations regarding broadcast rights for Ligue 1 matches. As yet no domestic rights deals have been secured and talks are reportedly ongoing with potential broadcasters including Amazon, Canal+, DAZN as well as current holder BeIn Sports.
Vincent Labrune, President of the LFP, said:
“The allocation of all packages to BeIN Sports is excellent news for all Ligue 2 BKT clubs as well as their supporters, who will continue to benefit from remarkable expertise and coverage with all matches and magazines,”
If these negotiations fail to reach an agreement then it is reported that the LFP may consider launching a domestic direct-to-consumer (DTC) service. The reported goal of this potential service would be to secure two million subscribers in its first year.
This new deal between BeIN Sports and the LFP marks an exciting time for French soccer, particularly for fans of Ligue 2. With exclusive access to all games, subscribers will have unprecedented coverage of their favorite teams and players. As negotiations continue for the rights to Ligue 1, fans eagerly await news on how they can access top-tier French soccer in future seasons.
