The French soccer’s LFP body and global sports streaming service DAZN have extended the deadline for talks on a potential new channel to cover the top-tier Ligue 1 in 2025-26. The deadline, originally set for May 31, has now been pushed to June 15 due to a lack of overall progress in the discussions.
Over the past year, relations between LFP and DAZN have been tumultuous. Despite being the main live domestic broadcaster for top-tier Ligue 1, DAZN has regularly withheld rights money from the LFP. This led to legal action by the latter against DAZN, which eventually resulted in an agreement that their partnership would end after just one campaign at the close of 2024-25.
Potential new channel
The project regarding a new channel is spearheaded by Nicolas de Tavernost, General Director at LFP Media commercial subsidiary. If successful, this move could see DAZN forego its €100 million fee owed for breaking its rights contract with LPF for Ligue 1 matches.
Vincent Labrune, President of LPF stated: “We have to move forward on our own.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend among major European soccer leagues considering launching their own channels or streaming services. The extension of these talks marks another chapter in what has been a disastrous year regarding broadcast rights for LPF. Misjudging its package's value led to an unprecedented situation where Canal Plus did not air live League 1 matches - something that hadn't happened since 1984.
Last season's domestic deals with BeIN Sports and DAZN were valued around €400 million ($453.2 million). However, as many as eight second-tier League 2 clubs were said to be at risk of bankruptcy had a deal not been reached.
Piracy concerns
DAZN's withholding of rights money was partly due to LPF's failure to address digital piracy. A report backed by LPF last year seemed to validate these concerns, revealing that 37% of those who watched Ligue 1 action during the first few months of 2024-25 had done so illegally.
The extension in talks between DAZN and LFP is a significant development for sports fans and sports betting fans alike. The outcome could potentially reshape how French soccer is broadcasted, with implications for other major European leagues considering similar moves. As the June 15 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on these two entities as they navigate their complex relationship and work towards a resolution.
