French football could be heading for another major change in television broadcasting after the Professional Football League (LFP) approved plans to launch a new tender for Ligue 1 TV rights covering the 2027 to 2032 period.

The decision, approved unanimously by the LFP's 17-member board on October 21, 2026, comes as French football continues to search for a more sustainable broadcasting model following several years of financial uncertainty.

The tender is scheduled to open on November 3, with interested broadcasters expected to submit their offers within a month. The objective is to attract new partners, increase the value of the league's broadcasting rights and provide French clubs with a more reliable source of income.

A New Opportunity for Broadcasters

One of the biggest changes is the possibility of selling all Ligue 1 broadcasting rights as a single package.

Previously, the league's rights were divided into separate packages, meaning broadcasters could compete for different portions of the competition. Under the new approach, a single company could potentially secure the rights to broadcast every match.

The change follows French legislation introduced in August 2026 that allows professional football rights to be marketed in one package.

For the LFP, this could make Ligue 1 more attractive to major streaming platforms and international media companies that prefer to offer a complete competition rather than share broadcasting responsibilities with competitors.

Traditional broadcasters such as Canal+, beIN Sports and RMC Sport are among the names discussed in connection with the market, while digital platforms including Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney and Paramount could also attract attention.

However, interest in discussions does not guarantee that any of these companies will submit a formal bid.

What Happens to Ligue 1+?

The future of Ligue 1+ is central to the proposed overhaul.

The LFP launched its own streaming platform in 2025 after the collapse of its previous broadcasting arrangement with DAZN. Ligue 1+ subsequently became the home of the French top flight, broadcasting all nine matches per round during the 2026/27 season.

The league is now considering two possible routes for the next broadcasting cycle. A successful bidder could acquire exclusive broadcasting rights to the championship, or secure exclusive distribution of Ligue 1+ itself.

This distinction is important. Rather than simply selling matches to another broadcaster, the LFP could allow a partner to take over the distribution of its existing platform.

Ligue 1+ reportedly had just under 1.1 million subscribers at the end of the previous season. While the platform has helped the league regain control over its product, generating enough revenue to satisfy clubs remains a major challenge.

Financial Pressure Behind the Decision

The decision to bring forward the tender reflects the financial pressure facing French clubs.

The collapse of the Mediapro deal in 2020 exposed the risks of relying on ambitious broadcasting agreements that fail to deliver their promised revenue. The subsequent arrangements involving DAZN and beIN Sports also fell short of the league's original expectations, with DAZN eventually ending its agreement prematurely.

The loss of broadcasting income has left clubs searching for ways to protect their budgets, fund recruitment and remain competitive.

Revenue generated through Ligue 1+ has been estimated at around €150 million for the current season, according to reporting on the LFP's financial position. That figure highlights the scale of the challenge when compared with the expectations that surrounded previous broadcasting deals.

Lille president Olivier Létang has also called for more money to reach clubs, arguing that running a television platform is not the primary responsibility of football teams.

For the LFP, the new tender represents an opportunity to test whether the market is prepared to pay more for the complete Ligue 1 product.

Could a New Broadcaster Change French Football?

A successful agreement could provide French clubs with additional financial stability and help the league improve its ability to retain players, recruit talent and compete with other European competitions.

It could also change how supporters watch Ligue 1. A major streaming platform entering the market might offer different subscription options, wider distribution or improved viewing experiences. However, these possibilities will depend on the successful bidder and the terms of any eventual agreement.

There is also a risk. Offering all matches in one package could discourage smaller broadcasters that cannot afford the entire competition. If no acceptable bid emerges, the LFP may have to continue with its existing arrangement.

The current agreements surrounding Ligue 1+ also create a potential route for the league to reconsider its distribution arrangements before the original 2029 deadline, subject to the applicable contractual provisions.

A Crucial Month Ahead

The November tender will be an important test of the commercial appeal of French football.

The LFP has indicated that it has received concrete expressions of interest from several market participants. Nevertheless, the real measure of success will be the offers submitted and the revenue the league can ultimately secure.

For clubs already dealing with tighter budgets, the stakes are considerable. A stronger broadcasting deal could offer much-needed relief, while a disappointing outcome would leave the league facing difficult financial decisions.

The proposed overhaul is therefore about more than choosing a television channel. It is an attempt to reshape how Ligue 1 is sold, distributed and financed for the next five years.

Whether the LFP can turn renewed market interest into a profitable long-term agreement will become clearer as the tender progresses. For now, French football is preparing for another decisive chapter in its ongoing battle to secure the value of its television rights.

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