In a surprising turn of events, sports streaming service DAZN has secured the rights to broadcast all 306 matches of Ligue 1 in France for the next five years. This deal, which is reported to be worth a substantial €500M ($540M), comes at a crucial time for French soccer. With the departure of star players like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in recent seasons, the league has been facing a decline in its star power draw.
Negotiations for the broadcasting rights had been ongoing for months, with the previous rights owner, Amazon, opting not to renew. This left the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) scrambling to find a buyer before the start of the new season. Fears mounted that Ligue 1 would kick off without an official broadcast partner, potentially leading to financial disaster for clubs, especially those newly promoted from Ligue 2.
A Lifeline for French Football
The joint bid from DAZN and BeIN Sports came as a lifeline for French football, ensuring that the league will continue to thrive. The LFP, in a statement, expressed relief at securing the agreements, acknowledging the unity of French football in reaching a favorable outcome. Vincent Labrune, President of the LFP, emphasized the importance of the deals in ensuring the growth and attractiveness of French football.
Emphasis on Partnership
Both DAZN and BeIN Sports have highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in their statements regarding the broadcast rights. Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, stressed the company’s commitment to working with the LFP, clubs, and fans to enhance the reach and value of Ligue 1. Meanwhile, BeIN Sports expressed their pleasure in being appointed as an official broadcast partner of Ligue 1, signaling a new era for soccer in France.
With DAZN set to offer an innovative fan-focused approach to streaming Ligue 1 matches, French football fans can expect an enhanced viewing experience in the coming seasons. The deal also includes broadcasting rights for Ligue 2 matches, further solidifying DAZN’s presence in the French soccer market. The future of top-division soccer in France looks promising with the backing of major streaming services like DAZN and BeIN Sports.
The recent broadcast rights deal for Ligue 1 marks a new chapter in the history of French soccer. With DAZN at the helm, fans can expect a more immersive and engaging viewing experience, while clubs can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their financial stability is secured. The unity and collaboration shown in securing these agreements bode well for the future of French football, setting the stage for continued growth and development in the years to come.
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