ITV, the UK commercial broadcaster, has secured a deal with French soccer’s governing body LFP to air a weekly Ligue 1 highlights show in the UK for the current 2024/25 season. The agreement marks an exciting development for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
The highlight show made its debut on October 30 during matchday nine in the prime slot of 6:25 pm on ITV4. It is also available on ITV's streaming platform, ITVX. Notable clashes from this matchday included Marseille versus Paris Saint-Germain, Lens taking on Lille, and Nice against Monaco.
Martin Aurenche, chief media officer at LFP Media, said:
“We’re delighted to bring highlights of our championship to the widest possible audience in the UK. Partnering with a major player like ITV is a unique opportunity in terms of exposure. We are confident that this will give our league an unprecedented spotlight and educate English football fans about ‘Football à la Française’.”
Streaming availability
In addition to the weekly highlights show, all Ligue 1 matches are available to stream live via the Ligue 1 Pass service in both UK and Ireland. This in-house platform was utilized after a broadcast partner for the season could not be found.
During the previous rights cycle, TNT Sports held broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 matches. However, following Kylian Mbappe's departure from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, interest in these broadcasts has declined.
Earlier this week, Eurovision Services - a leading broadcast services provider - agreed upon a deal with LFP to serve as worldwide distributor of top-flight league games (Ligue 1) and Ligue 2 matches. This three-year contract will commence immediately with ongoing seasons running through till end of campaign season in late-2027.
Renewed partnership with English Football Association
In other news related to ITV's football portfolio expansion efforts; it renewed its partnership deal with English Football Association (FA) earlier this week. As per this agreement which spans over four years covering cycles between years of '25-'29; ITV will continue to be the home for women’s national team matches.
The deal includes broadcasting rights for all Lionesses’ qualifying fixtures for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2029 UEFA Women’s Euro, as well as UEFA Women’s Nations League campaigns and all international friendlies. ITV's soccer portfolio also includes FA Cup domestic knockout men's cup competition. However, this will shift to pay-TV broadcaster TNT Sports from the 2025-26 season. The commercial broadcaster additionally holds a package of free-to-air rights to Spain’s top-flight LaLiga.
These developments mark an exciting time for sports fans in the UK and Ireland. With access to Ligue 1 highlights on ITV4 and live streaming on Ligue 1 Pass service, viewers can stay updated with their favorite teams' performances throughout the season.
