The top-tier French soccer league, Ligue 1, has found a solution to its broadcast blackout in the UK. The league's streaming service, developed by the LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel) and Endeavor Streaming, is set to provide fans with access to every game of the season.
UK and Republic of Ireland fans of Ligue 1 have been given a lifeline through this new streaming platform. The announcement came after failed negotiations between Ligue 1 and various UK sports broadcasters over linear rights for the 2024-25 season.
In previous years, TNT Sports held broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 matches. However, following Kylian Mbappe's departure from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, interest in broadcasting these matches declined significantly. Despite this setback, the LFP has pledged its commitment towards promoting "Ligue 1 Pass" in both countries.
The role of Endeavor streaming
Endeavor Streaming played an instrumental role in developing "Ligue 1 Pass". As a subsidiary of media and entertainment giant Endeavor, it brings significant expertise and resources into play.
A web version was made available ahead of recent weekend games while a mobile app version is expected to go live by Round 4 of the current season.
In addition to live action coverage, "Ligue 1 Pass" will also feature original content specifically produced for this platform - enhancing viewer experience beyond just match broadcasts.
Navigating broadcasting challenges
The launch follows constructive conversations with both free-to-air and subscription-based broadcasters in these regions. This development comes after TNT Sports dropped Ligue 1 from its portfolio earlier this month; they had held rights since as far back as 2013. Over recent weeks there has been frantic activity within the LPF as they attempt to complete their broadcast rights jigsaw for the next cycle.
Joint five-season domestic rights deals with DAZN (the main rights-holder) and BeIN Sports were only finalized in late July, following a saga of multiple missed tender deadlines. The total value of these deals over the five seasons is reported to be $2.16 billion. A partnership with BeIN has also been announced across the US, Canada, Turkey, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through 2028-29. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Canal Plus will continue to cover Ligue 1's 18-team league.
Ligue 1 isn't alone in its struggle to secure overseas broadcasting partners for new cycles beginning this season - Italy’s Serie A has faced similar challenges. Both leagues have had to wait until last month to secure partners for key territories. The launch of "Ligue 1 Pass" marks a significant step forward in ensuring fans can continue enjoying top-tier French soccer action despite these challenges.
