Caliente TV, a Mexico-based streaming operator, has recently secured the Latin American media rights to broadcast the FFrench soccer’s top-tier Ligue 1 matches for next three seasons. This significant deal marks a shift in strategy from the French soccer body, LFP.
The agreement was announced on July 18 and grants Caliente TV exclusive rights across Mexico, Central America, and South America (excluding Brazil) to air the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 seasons of Ligue 1. The deal also includes broadcasting rights for Ligue 2 matches and the annual Trophee des Champions clash between league and cup winners.
Caliente TV will cover all Ligue 1 matches on its linear channel as well as OTT streaming platforms. This coverage extends to various social media sites where fans can engage with live content.
ESPN's reign ends in Latin America
For over a decade-and-a-half, ESPN Latin America provided pan-South American coverage of France's top football league. However, this new agreement signifies an end to ESPN's reign over broadcasting these games in most parts of South America.
In addition to live broadcasts of matches, Caliente TV will provide comprehensive highlights featuring significant teams such as Paris Saint-Germain (perennial champions), AS Monaco, Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille. These highlights are expected to cater specifically to fans who follow these popular teams closely.
However, it should be noted that Brazil is excluded from this deal; CazeTV streaming service run by LiveMode had earlier unveiled its own broadcasting rights in this market.
Resolution of domestic rights impasse
This announcement comes after a lengthy impasse surrounding domestic rights for Ligue 1 was resolved recently. The French soccer body, LFP, has secured deals with streaming service DAZN and pay-TV giant BeIN Sports through 2028-29.
As part of the agreement, DAZN will pay €400 million ($436.4 million) per season for eight out of the nine games in each round. Meanwhile, Qatar-based broadcaster BeIN will showcase the top fixture each week or the second biggest game every other round for €100 million per year.
Ligue 1 clubs boast several contracted players from South America including Brazilian defender Marquinhos and Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte at PSG and Chile’s Guillermo Maripán at Monaco. These players add to the appeal of Ligue 1 among Latin American fans. The first season under this new deal is set to kick off over the weekend of August 17 and 18 in 2024.
