In a surprising turn of events, United Kingdom TV broadcaster TNT Sports has chosen not to renew its rights deal with France's top-tier football league, Ligue 1. Previously known as BT Sport, TNT had exclusive broadcasting rights for over 200 Ligue 1 games per season until mid-May 2024. However, according to reports, TNT executives recently informed employees that it was time for a change. As of now, no UK broadcaster has picked up the rights leaving fans unable to watch the French league until another deal is struck.
This development coincides with difficulties faced by the French governing body - Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) - in finding broadcasters willing to televise Ligue 1 matches in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Although beIN SPORTS’ US rights expired at the end of the 2023/24 season, an agreement was reached allowing US fans access to live games starting this weekend.
The MENA region conundrum
Interestingly enough, beIN Media Group has been hesitant about continuing its partnership to broadcast Ligue 1 outside France - including their home base MENA region where they first launched as Al Jazeera Media Network back in 2012. After dropping Serie A matches rights last year and now cutting off France’s top division from its listing this season leaves fans waiting anxiously for a late deal.
Similarly uncertain are Sub-Saharan Africa viewers who have long relied on Canal + Afrique for their dose of French football action. Following a tense legal battle with LFP last month, Canal + distanced itself from domestic bidding.
LFP executives late last year said they were optimistic about a new TV rights deal being done. LFP Chief Executive Ben Morel expressed the league's desire to connect with fans in a different way than before, including the US broadcast deal. However, Ligue 1's appeal has been significantly impacted by the departure of several world-class stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The biggest blow was undoubtedly Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid which left both PSG and Ligue 1 less appealing to sports viewers worldwide.
Transfer signings boost clubs post French TV deal
Despite these setbacks, there have been some positive developments for Ligue 1 clubs. Following the finalization of the domestic TV deal, clubs have made significant signings. PSG spent over $100m on transfers including Olympic silver medalist Desire Doue while Olympiques Lyon and Marseille also invested heavily in their squads despite missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
However, as excitement builds for France’s top-tier soccer season that begins later this week, international fans are still left wondering: Will they be able to watch their favorite teams in action? As it stands now - only time will tell.
