LFP Media Secures Multiple International Ligue 1 Broadcasting Rights Agreements

Ligue 1 Expands Global Reach with New Broadcast Agreements

August 31, 2025

Paris – French Professional Football League (LFP) Media has finalized a series of international broadcast agreements, significantly expanding the global footprint of Ligue 1 for the 2025-26 season. These new partnerships will deliver top-flight French soccer to fans across Europe, Asia, and North America, solidifying Ligue 1’s position as a prominent international sporting property.

Key Market Deals bolster International Presence

Recent agreements include partnerships with Fox Sports in Mexico,BeIN Sports in Hong Kong,Mono in Thailand,VTVcab in Vietnam,Pro TV/Voyo in Romania,and PBS in Malta. These additions complement a renewed deal with Sky Italia, marking the pay-television giant’s return to covering Ligue 1 after a brief hiatus.

The efforts have resulted in Ligue 1 being accessible in an notable 215 territories worldwide, facilitated by a network of 50 broadcast partners. This represents a substantial increase in global availability, offering new opportunities for fan engagement and revenue growth.

Direct-to-Consumer Platform Gains Momentum

Beyond traditional broadcast deals, Ligue 1+ – the league’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform – is rapidly expanding its international presence. Launched initially in France, offering comprehensive coverage of domestic matches, the service is now available in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with an imminent launch planned for Italy.

China Remains a strategic Priority

Recognizing the notable potential of the Chinese market, the LFP has secured a new broadcast agreement for Ligue 2, the second tier of French professional soccer. This deal will see four matches per day broadcast on the CY Sports channel,accessible through the popular Douyin and Kuaishou platforms. Ligue 1 itself continues to be shown on state broadcaster CCTV and streaming service Migu,providing extensive coverage to Chinese fans.

Territory	Broadcast Partner
Mexico	Fox Sports
Hong Kong	BeIN Sports
Thailand	mono
Vietnam	VTVcab
Romania	Pro TV/Voyo
Malta	PBS
Italy	Sky Italia

The Infront agency currently manages the international media rights for both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 across numerous territories in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, under a five-year agreement spanning from the 2024-25 to the 2028-29 seasons.

Navigating Domestic Rights Challenges

These international successes come amidst ongoing developments regarding domestic broadcast rights.A previous agreement with DAZN was terminated after only one season, prompting the launch of ligue 1+ as a solution for domestic coverage. The league is actively working to stabilize its domestic broadcast strategy while capitalizing on international growth opportunities.

The 2025-26 Ligue 1 season commenced on August 15, with Ligue 2 following on August 9. A key match this weekend features Lyon against Marseille on Sunday.

The Evolving Landscape of Sports Broadcasting

The shift towards direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, like Ligue 1+, represents a broader trend in the sports industry. Leagues and teams are increasingly seeking to control their distribution channels and build direct relationships with fans,bypassing traditional broadcasters. This strategy allows for greater revenue potential and data-driven insights into fan preferences. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the global sports streaming market is projected to reach $120 billion by 2027, highlighting the significant growth potential in this area.

Did You Know? The Premier League, another top European soccer league, has also been actively exploring DTC options to complement its existing broadcast deals.

Pro Tip: For sports fans, exploring official league streaming platforms can offer exclusive content and a more personalized viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ligue 1 Broadcast Rights

• What is Ligue 1+? Ligue 1+ is the official direct-to-consumer streaming platform for Ligue 1, offering comprehensive coverage of matches.
• Where can I watch Ligue 1 in the United States? Ligue 1 is available in the United states through various broadcast partners, check your local listings.
• Is Ligue 1 available in China? Yes, Ligue 1 is broadcast in China on CCTV and Migu, while Ligue 2 matches are available on CY Sports through Douyin and Kuaishou.
• What is the role of Infront in Ligue 1 broadcasting? infront manages the international media rights to Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in several territories.
• Why did DAZN terminate its contract with Ligue 1? DAZN terminated its five-year contract after just one season, leading to the launch of the Ligue 1+ platform.
• How many territories now have access to Ligue 1? Ligue 1 is now available in 215 territories worldwide.

What are your thoughts on the growth of direct-to-consumer streaming in sports? How will this impact the viewing experience for fans?

What strategies did LFP Media employ to maximize the value of Ligue 1’s broadcasting rights during negotiations?

Expanding Global Reach: Ligue 1’s New Broadcast Partnerships

LFP Media, the broadcasting arm of France’s Ligue 1, has announced a series of notable international broadcasting rights agreements, dramatically expanding the league’s global footprint. These deals cover key territories and represent a substantial win for Ligue 1’s visibility and revenue generation. This surge in international interest reflects the growing appeal of French football, fueled by star players and increasingly competitive matches. The agreements span multiple seasons,ensuring long-term stability for the league’s international broadcast strategy.

Key Territories & Broadcasters Involved

The newly secured agreements encompass a diverse range of regions, each with a dedicated broadcaster committed to delivering Ligue 1 action to fans. Here’s a breakdown of some key partnerships:

North America (USA & Canada): A multi-year deal with beIN SPORTS, continuing their coverage and offering live matches and highlights across their platforms. This ensures consistent access for the growing fanbase in the region.

united Kingdom & Ireland: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) has retained the rights, promising complete coverage including live matches, studio analysis, and digital content.

Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH Region): Sky Deutschland will continue to broadcast Ligue 1, leveraging its established sports platform and subscriber base.

Australia: beIN SPORTS Australia has secured the rights, further solidifying their position as a leading sports broadcaster in the region.

Latin America: ESPN has expanded its coverage to include exclusive rights in several Latin American countries, bringing Ligue 1 to a wider audience.

Africa: Canal+ has renewed its partnership, maintaining its strong presence as the primary broadcaster of Ligue 1 across much of the African continent.

These partnerships represent a strategic focus on key football markets, maximizing potential viewership and revenue. The deals also highlight the increasing demand for diverse football content beyond the traditional “Big Five” European leagues.

Financial Implications & League Revenue

The financial details of these agreements remain largely confidential, but industry analysts estimate the combined value to be a significant increase compared to previous cycles. This boost in revenue will be reinvested into the league, supporting club development, player acquisitions, and infrastructure improvements.

Increased Revenue Streams: The new deals provide a more diversified revenue base, reducing reliance on domestic broadcasting rights.

Club Investment: A larger share of the broadcast revenue will be distributed to clubs,enabling them to compete at a higher level both domestically and in European competitions.

League Growth: The increased financial stability allows Ligue 1 to invest in marketing and promotion, further enhancing its brand recognition globally.

Impact on Fan Engagement & Viewing Options

These broadcasting agreements translate directly into improved viewing experiences for fans worldwide.

Live Match Coverage: The majority of agreements guarantee live coverage of all Ligue 1 matches,allowing fans to follow their favorite teams week after week.

Digital streaming Options: many broadcasters offer streaming services, providing fans with the flexibility to watch matches on their preferred devices.

Enhanced Production Quality: Increased investment in production quality will result in a more immersive and engaging viewing experience.

Multi-Language Commentary: Some broadcasters are offering multi-language commentary options, catering to diverse audiences.

The Role of LFP Media in Securing These Deals

LFP Media played a crucial role in negotiating and securing these agreements. Established to centralize and manage the league’s broadcasting rights, LFP Media has adopted a proactive and strategic approach to maximizing value.

Centralized Negotiation: LFP Media’s centralized approach streamlines the negotiation process, ensuring a unified and consistent strategy.

Data-Driven Insights: The institution leverages data analytics to identify key markets and potential broadcasters.

Strategic Partnerships: LFP Media actively cultivates relationships with broadcasters, fostering long-term partnerships.

* Innovation in Broadcast Technology: Exploring and implementing new broadcast technologies to enhance the viewing experience.

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