The Ligue de Football Professionnel is preparing for another attempt to restore financial stability after the collapse of two major television deals and the launch of its own streaming service.

LFP Media is considering inviting bids for the 2029-30 to 2033-34 seasons. No final decision has been taken, but discussions with potential broadcasters and digital platforms have already begun.

A tender three years before kick-off

The early timetable reflects the pressure facing French clubs. Ligue 1+ now shows every match exclusively in France, but the income generated by the service remains modest compared with the league’s previous television contracts.

According to L’Équipe, the LFP has sounded out the market and could formally begin the process in October.

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The proposed rights period would cover five seasons. That would give the winning broadcaster or platform long-term certainty while allowing clubs to plan their finances well before the current Ligue 1+ arrangement expires.

Olivier Bramly, the head of LFP Media, has reportedly held discussions with several possible partners. Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Paramount have been mentioned, while contact has also resumed with Canal+.

One package could change the contest

The LFP may be able to offer the entire domestic championship in one package. Previous tenders divided matches between different broadcasters, making it more expensive and complicated for supporters to watch every game.

Apple was among the companies that showed interest in 2023 but withdrew during the process. The fragmented package structure was identified as one of the factors that made the rights less attractive.

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A single five-year package could appeal to major streaming companies seeking exclusive sports content. Sport.fr reported that Canal+ and beIN Sports could also return to the negotiations.

The LFP must nevertheless establish genuine competition before launching the tender. Another process without satisfactory bids would further weaken its bargaining position.

Ligue 1+ became the emergency solution

Ligue 1+ was created after DAZN ended its contract early. DAZN had agreed to pay approximately €400 million per season for most Ligue 1 matches but struggled to attract the expected number of subscribers.

The parties eventually separated following months of disagreement. The collapse came only a few years after Mediapro failed to honour another expensive broadcasting contract, leaving French clubs exposed twice in a relatively short period.

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From the 2026-27 season, Ligue 1+ broadcasts all nine matches from every round. The LFP’s current subscription structure includes a €19.99 monthly annual plan and a €24.99 option without a long-term commitment.

The service is available through French telecommunications companies and platforms including Prime Video, DAZN, Molotov and OneFootball. Its wide distribution has not yet translated into the television income clubs previously received.

Clubs need their lost income back

This season’s finances no longer include the €78.5 million previously paid annually by beIN Sports for one match per round. Clubs have also lost the temporary benefit of DAZN’s €85 million departure payment.

That makes the next tender much more than a broadcasting decision. Media revenue affects transfer budgets, wages and the ability of French clubs to compete with teams from England, Spain and Germany.

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Starting early may help the LFP attract several bidders and avoid another last-minute crisis. It also carries a risk, because selling the rights while the market value of Ligue 1 remains depressed could lock clubs into another disappointing agreement.

The October process is therefore not yet a rescue package. It is the beginning of another high-stakes attempt to rebuild confidence in one of European football’s most unstable broadcasting markets.

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