The French football league, Ligue 1, has made a triumphant return to beIN SPORTS just in time for the start of the 2024/25 season. This news comes as a relief to fans in the United States who have been left uncertain about where they would watch their favorite teams play.
For three months, fans of Ligue 1 clubs were left wondering who would broadcast their beloved league. However, according to reports, an agreement was reached late on Tuesday between the French soccer governing body Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and beIN SPORTS. This deal allows the US broadcaster to continue airing matches.
beIN SPORTS has already added a full lineup of games to its schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Coverage begins this Friday with Paris Saint-Germain vs Le Havre scheduled at 2:45 PM ET on beIN SPORTS and its Spanish counterpart - beIN SPORTS en Español. Fans can also stream these matches via Fubo and Fanatiz.
Challenges ahead for LFP
While this development is certainly welcome news for American fans of French football, it does not mark an end to all challenges faced by LFP. The organization has lost its UK broadcaster for Ligue 1 games and there are concerns about who will televise matches in Spain, Italy, Middle East North Africa (MENA), and sub-Saharan Africa.
Reports understand that announcements regarding international rights deals between beIN Media Group and LFP Media are expected in coming days.
Marketing challenges amid player transfers
Adding another layer of complexity is that fact that Kylian Mbappé - one of France's biggest stars - has transferred from PSG to Real Madrid. This leaves the French league in a position where it must market itself without one of its major attractions.
Despite these challenges, the return of Ligue 1 to beIN SPORTS is a positive development for fans in the United States. As we await further announcements on international broadcasting rights, fans can look forward to enjoying their favorite teams' matches once again. The coming days will reveal how LFP plans to navigate its current challenges and continue promoting French football globally.
