Ligue 1+ Secures Full 2026 World Cup Rights to Keep Subscribers

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Ligue 1+ bets on 2026 FIFA World Cup to Boost Subscriber Numbers

Paris, france – Ligue 1+, the streaming service for French top-flight football, is strategically acquiring rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hoping to offset recent financial setbacks and bolster its subscriber base. The move comes as the service navigates a challenging landscape following the cancellation of some domestic league media rights agreements.

Strategic Shift for Ligue 1+

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, represents a meaningful gamble for Ligue 1+. This marks the service’s first venture into acquiring rights for events outside of Ligue 1, signalling a potential change in strategy to attract and retain viewers.

The decision is particularly timed to counteract a typical seasonal dip in engagement for league-specific streaming services.The expectation is that heightened interest in the World Cup, especially if France performs well, will encourage subscribers to maintain their memberships during what would normally be a quieter period. The 2022 world Cup final, which featured France, drew a record-breaking average television audience of 25 million viewers in France, highlighting the national appetite for the tournament.

Subscriber Numbers and Financial Challenges

Launched in mid-July 2025 at €14.99 ($17.66) monthly for an annual subscription, or $19.99 for a month-to-month plan, Ligue 1+ initially saw encouraging uptake. As of September 2025, 1.026 million subscribers had joined the platform,with a considerable 72% opting for the annual package. This translated to approximately €132.9 million in annual revenue from those 738,000 annual subscribers.

Though, this early success is insufficient to compensate for the loss of revenue from cancelled Ligue 1 media rights deals. Analysts suggest Ligue 1+ may need to triple or even quadruple its current subscriber base, or significantly increase subscription prices, to reach previous income levels. According to a recent report by Statista, the global sports streaming market is fiercely competitive, with established players like ESPN+ and DAZN continuously vying for market share.

How will Ligue 1+’s acquisition of the 2026 World Cup rights impact its subscriber growth and retention?

Ligue 1+ Secures Full 2026 World Cup Rights to Keep Subscribers

Ligue 1+ has made a strategic move, securing exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.This acquisition is widely seen as a pivotal decision aimed at bolstering subscriber retention and attracting new viewers in a fiercely competitive streaming landscape. The move comes at a crucial time, as the sports streaming market continues to evolve and consolidate.

The Stakes: Why World Cup Rights Matter

The FIFA World Cup is arguably the most-watched sporting event globally. Securing these rights isn’t just about broadcasting games; it’s about owning a significant portion of the sports entertainment conversation for an extended period. For Ligue 1+, this translates to:

* Subscriber Growth: The World Cup consistently drives significant spikes in subscriptions for broadcasters.

* Reduced Churn: Offering premier content like the World Cup incentivizes existing subscribers to remain loyal.

* Enhanced Brand Value: Associating with a global event of this magnitude elevates Ligue 1+’s brand recognition.

* Advertising Revenue: Increased viewership translates directly into higher advertising revenue opportunities.

The Competitive Landscape & Ligue 1+’s Strategy

the battle for sports broadcasting rights has intensified in recent years.major players like beIN SPORTS, Sky Sports, and DAZN have all been aggressively pursuing premium content. Ligue 1+’s success in landing the 2026 World Cup rights suggests a willingness to invest heavily and a shrewd understanding of the market.

This acquisition is particularly noteworthy considering the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup, promising more matches and extended coverage. This expanded format means more opportunities for viewership and, consequently, more value for Ligue 1+.

What This Means for Ligue 1+ Subscribers

Subscribers can expect comprehensive coverage of the 2026 World Cup, including:

* Live Streaming of All Matches: Access to every game as it happens, across multiple devices.

* High-Quality Video & Audio: Ligue 1+ is expected to deliver the tournament in 4K UHD with immersive audio options.

* exclusive Analysis & Commentary: Pre-game, halftime, and post-match analysis from renowned football experts.

* on-Demand Replays: the ability to catch up on missed matches or relive key moments.

* Interactive Features: Potential integration of features like live stats, polls, and social media integration.

The Financial Implications

While the exact financial details of the rights acquisition haven’t been publicly disclosed, industry analysts estimate the deal to be worth several hundred million euros. This represents a significant investment for Ligue 1+, but one that is expected to yield significant returns. The cost is likely justified by the projected increase in subscriber numbers and advertising revenue.

Beyond the Games: Leveraging the World Cup Momentum

Ligue 1+ isn’t simply planning to broadcast the games. They are expected to build a comprehensive ecosystem around the World cup, including:

* Documentaries & Feature Films: original content exploring the history of the tournament and the stories of its stars.

* Interactive Fan Zones: Virtual spaces where fans can connect, share their predictions, and participate in contests.

* Partnerships with Local businesses: Collaborations to offer exclusive promotions and experiences to subscribers.

* Social Media Campaigns: Engaging content designed to generate buzz and drive viewership.

The Impact on the French Football Market

This deal solidifies Ligue 1+’s position as a major player in the French sports broadcasting market.It also demonstrates the growing importance of streaming services in delivering premium sports content. The move could potentially influence future rights negotiations and further accelerate the shift away from customary television.

A Look Back: Previous World Cup Broadcasting Trends

Historically, World Cup broadcasting rights have been highly sought after. In 2018, beIN SPORTS held the rights for many European countries, while in 2022, the rights were more fragmented, with various broadcasters sharing coverage. This trend towards consolidation, as seen with Ligue 1+, suggests a strategic shift in how these rights are being valued and distributed. The 2026 tournament, with its expanded format, is poised to be a landmark event in the evolution of sports broadcasting.