LFP Media, the media sales division of French soccer's governing body, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Sport 24. The deal will bring highlights from France's top-tier men's soccer competition, Ligue 1, to the in-flight and on-ship entertainment service owned by international sports agency IMG.
Sport 24 will feature a weekly compilation program that runs for 26 minutes. This show will cover highlights from each gameweek of the Ligue 1 fixtures. The partnership is set to run through the remainder of the ongoing season until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Global reach
Sport 24 is available on board several airlines including Etihad, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. It also features on multiple cruise lines enhancing its global reach. Martin Aurenche, Chief Media Officer at LFP Media commented on this new venture stating that Sport24 holds numerous high-profile global soccer rights on its platform.
Martin Aurenche, Chief Media Officer at LFP Media, said:
“This partnership with Sport 24 is a great opportunity to connect with fans worldwide and introduce new audiences to the flair and excitement of Ligue 1."
In recent years, Sport24 extended its partnership with Asian soccer’s AFC governing body to cover continental competitions through till the end of season in 2028-29. It also had deals with European soccer's governing body UEFA and FIFA over previous years.
Challenges faced by LFP Media
This new collaboration comes amidst turbulent times for both LFP and particularly for LFP Media after authorities raided their offices as part of an investigation into their dealings with CVC Capital Partners private equity firm which owns a significant stake in them.
A report published by French senate at beginning November described potential "deep dysfunctions" within overall operations at LFP following which Benjamin Morel resigned from his position as chief executive officer and director general at LPF media. Adding to these challenges was securing domestic rights just weeks before commencement of current cycle in 2024-25.
Despite the challenges faced by LFP Media, this new partnership with Sport 24 promises to bring exciting highlights from France's top-tier men's soccer competition to a global audience. This move could potentially boost the popularity of Ligue 1 and provide sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts with more engaging content.
