Eleven Sports, the international subscription broadcaster, has secured exclusive media rights for French soccer's top-tier Ligue 1 matches in Poland. This deal will cover the next five seasons through to the 2028-29 campaign.
The agreement grants Eleven sole broadcasting rights after sharing coverage with pay-TV’s Canal Plus for the previous cycle from 2020-24. The new partnership encompasses the upcoming seasons from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
This development is significant as Ligue 1 currently features several Polish players such as Marcin Bułka (OGC Nice), and Radosław Majecki (AS Monaco).
Timely tie-up amidst broadcast rights negotiations
The timing of this tie-up coincides with Ligue 1's rush to finalize broadcast rights partnerships for its next cycle, which began around a month ago with the start of the season. The delay in striking deals was partly due to unresolved domestic rights issues until mid-July when DAZN and BeIN Sports finally signed up as partners through till 2028-29.
Since then, partnerships have been announced across various markets including Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, US, Canada, Middle East and North Africa.
Expansion of Eleven's football portfolio
In addition to securing exclusive rights for Ligue 1 broadcasts in Poland, Eleven also holds significant soccer broadcasting rights within other leagues. In early July this year, it reclaimed broadcasting privileges for Germany’s Bundesliga matches within Poland.
Starting January 2025 onwards, selected Bundesliga and second-tier Bundesliga2 matches will be broadcasted by Eleven on a non-exclusive basis alongside primary rightsholder Viaplay during the second half of the season. However starting from season beginning at end of year - i.e., from start of campaign at end of 2025, Eleven will take over from the Nordic streaming service exclusively.
Moreover, Eleven's soccer portfolio in Poland also includes action from Spain's LaLiga through the 2025-26 season and the Spanish Super Cup until 2025. The exclusive rights deal between Ligue 1 and Eleven Sports marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting within Poland. It not only enhances Eleven’s soccer portfolio but also provides Polish fans with an exclusive platform to follow their favorite players and teams. This development is likely to shape the future of sports broadcasting in Poland for years to come.
