In simplest terms: yes, Ligue 1 does have a TV deal—but it’s in the midst of a big shift. ProteanCup will walk you through what’s happening now, how the rights have changed, what the new deal means for fans, and where to watch every match in France from the 2025-26 season onward.
What’s changed with Ligue 1 and its broadcast rights
For the last few years, Ligue 1 has been grappling with unstable TV/streaming contracts. A recent major deal with DAZN was supposed to cover the bulk of the domestic rights—but it ran into problems almost immediately. The streamer was meant to broadcast eight of nine weekend matches, clubs voted to break off the deal at the end of the 2024-25 season.
So yes, Ligue 1 had a TV/streaming deal—but that one is now over, paving the way for a new arrangement.
The new deal: Ligue 1+ and direct-to-consumer
Since the DAZN contract’s collapse, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has taken a new path. Rather than giving the rights exclusively to another external broadcaster, Ligue 1 will now be largely self-broadcast.
Here are the key details of the new TV/streaming deal:
- The LFP is launching its own streaming + TV platform called Ligue 1+, for the 2025-2026 season.
- Pricing: around €14.99 per month for access to Ligue 1+. There are discussions of discounted rates for younger subscribers (under 26) but not all details confirmed.
- What matches are shown: eight of the nine weekly Ligue 1 matches per matchday will be exclusive to Ligue 1+. The one exception is usually the Saturday fixture (5:00 PM CET) which remains with beIN Sports under an existing deal.
- Distribution: Multiple telecom / platform partners in France will carry Ligue 1+. These include operators like Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free, SFR, plus OTT (over-the-top) streaming access. DAZN is now a distribution partner, not the exclusive rights holder.
What remains consistent and what’s new
| Aspect | Old situation (DAZN etc.) | New arrangement (Ligue 1+) |
| Who operates the platform | External streamer (DAZN) + deal with beIN etc. | LFP Media runs it directly |
| Number of matches per matchday | DAZN had ~8/9, beIN 1 | Same split: 8 exclusive via Ligue 1+, 1 via beIN |
| Pricing / subscription model | More expensive; less successful uptake than hoped | €14.99/month; wider distribution strategy; aiming for more sustainable model |
| Rights payments & revenue risk | Hefty cost to the broadcaster, low returns => conflict | LFP takes more ownership of the risk, but also more control |
Why the switch?
Fans and analysts have been asking: Why change now?
Here are the main reasons:
- Failed DAZN agreement – The previous deal didn’t deliver expected subscriber numbers or reliable payments. This created financial stress.
- Revenue expectations vs reality – LFP was asking for ~€1 billion/year. Control and sustainability – Running its own channel (Ligue 1+) lets LFP manage pricing, distribution, and content more directly. That helps with stability and aligns incentives.
What this means for fans: where and how to watch
If you’re in France (or planning via legal streaming channels), here’s how you’ll watch Ligue 1 now:
- Ligue 1+ will be the main place. Streaming + TV options.
- beIN Sports retains the rights for one match per matchday (usually the Saturday slot). So for that particular match, you’ll need beIN.
- If you’re abroad, rights are more complex: international broadcasters still have deals in various markets. These differ. ProteanCup recommends checking local broadcasters/streaming services in your country for Ligue 1 coverage.
- Subscription cost: expect ~€14.99/month for full multigame access via Ligue 1+, potentially less for youth / special offers.
Remaining questions & problems
Even with this new deal, there are some challenges and risks ahead:
- Can Ligue 1+ reach enough subscribers to make up for the revenue DAZN and others were expected to bring?
- What about the quality of production, streaming reliability, and customer service under a league-run platform vs. a professional broadcaster?
- Will beIN’s single-match rights and its pricing be acceptable to fans used to more comprehensive packages?
- How piracy and illicit streaming will continue to affect income.
What to watch going forward
Here are key dates and milestones to keep an eye on:
- August 15, 2025: Launch of Ligue 1+ for the 2025-26 season. First matchdays under the new setup.
- Any updates on youth discount offers or special promos for under-26s.
- International broadcasting rights roll-outs: which broadcasters in your region will carry Ligue 1+ or sublicensed matches.
- Fan feedback: whether the streaming/TV quality, pricing, and match availability meet expectations.
Conclusion
Yes, Ligue 1 has a TV deal, but it’s no longer the old one with DAZN as the main broadcaster. ProteanCup has shown you how the league is now shifting to its own platform—Ligue 1+—to stream eight of nine match-week fixtures, with one match still held by beIN Sports. The move reflects ambition for greater control, more sustainable revenue, and closer connection to fans, though challenges—subscriber numbers, competition, international deals—lie ahead.
If you want to keep up, ProteanCup recommends you subscribe to Ligue 1+ if you’re in France, check your local broadcaster if you’re outside, and stay tuned for youth offers. Want help finding where to watch in your country or what package is best value? ProteanCup can help with that too—just ask!
