Global streaming service, DAZN, has announced the extension of its broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 matches. The three-year agreement will see coverage of the league in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The deal follows a similar arrangement with Italy's Serie A in these countries. The new agreement with the LFP Media arm of French soccer’s league body means that Ligue 1 action will be broadcasted in the DACH region for three seasons (2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27). This marks an extension in Germany and Austria but introduces a new deal in Switzerland.
Previously, Swiss viewers watched live action through pay-TV’s Blue. Canal Plus also covered the league last year. However, this will be the first time that DAZN – which launched in Switzerland back in August 2016 – covers live Ligue 1 games.
More than just league games
In addition to broadcasting matches from the main league comprising of twenty teams, this deal also includes rights to air annual French Trophée des Champions games. Fans can enjoy commentary options available in German, French or English languages.
Notably German players such as Thilo Kehrer at Monaco and Reda Khadra at Reims are part of clubs playing within Ligue 1.
While this international tie-up is promising news for fans abroad; domestically however it seems like there are still hurdles to overcome regarding securing future rights for broadcasting within France itself.
Challenges ahead for LFP
LFP initially tendered both domestic rights to both leagues on September 13 after being granted permission by the French government to extend contract lengths from four years up to five years hoping that longer contracts would attract higher bids than its reserve prices which stood at €530 million and €270 million per season for the two main packages of live Ligue 1 rights. However, this has not been the case.
The failure to meet reserve prices indicates a significant difference in valuation between prospective rightsholders and the LFP. As a result, it is reported that LFP is considering creating its own direct-to-consumer channel to avoid media blackout at the start of next season.
This is one of several options as struggles continue to sell domestic rights. Another option could be returning to negotiations with broadcasters such as BeIN, Canal Plus, Amazon, and DAZN with significantly lower demands.
Meanwhile, DAZN DACH finds itself in another dispute with Germany's DFL body over tender for Bundesliga matches rights for 2025-29 cycle which has led to suspension of sales process for domestic rights.
