Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, is undergoing a significant transformation that could potentially revolutionize European football broadcasting. The league has launched its new direct-to-consumer streaming service, Ligue 1+, which gained an impressive 600,000 subscribers within its first week.
The Professional Football League’s (LFP) decision to launch this new streaming service was prompted by the collapse of a four-year domestic broadcast rights agreement with DAZN just one year into the deal. This unexpected turn of events led the LFP to swiftly provide fans with an alternative method to watch their beloved teams play. Thus, the in-house initiative known as Ligue 1+ was born.
Affordable subscription plans
One notable aspect of this new platform is its affordability compared to previous options. A standard subscription costs $17 (€14.99), which is half the price of DAZN's monthly subscription fee last season at $35 (€29.99). Additionally, there are special packages for customers under-26 years old priced at $12 (€9.99), and a month-to-month subscription plan available for $23 (€19.99).
Subscribers gain access to up to eight games per match week – including all games from the final two match weeks – as well as all Trophée des Champions fixtures and relegation play-off ties among other exclusive content like magazine shows dedicated solely to Ligue 1 action.
However, it should be noted that Canal+ still holds broadcasting rights for two fixtures per match week.
Setting benchmarks and surpassing expectations
With an ambitious goal set by the LFP aiming for one million subscribers by end of season 2025/26, early indications suggest they are on track towards achieving this target. The opening weekend saw Ligue 1+ surpass 600,000 subscribers, a promising start that has been well received by the league's executives.
Nicolas de Tavernost, Chief Executive of LFP Media, said:
“The public has also understood that Ligue 1+ isn’t just a new channel, but a new spirit for professional football,”
The launch of Ligue 1+ marks an exciting time for football fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. This innovative approach to broadcasting could potentially set a precedent for other leagues across Europe in years to come. As it stands now, it seems like the future of watching football is here with affordable subscriptions and exclusive content delivered directly to consumers.
