Ligue 1 reaches over one million subscribers mark
New Ligue 1+ Channel Makes Strong Debut, Surpasses 1 Million Subscribers
The new Ligue 1+ channel, launched on August 15, has made an impressive start in the French football broadcasting landscape. The channel, which will broadcast the ten biggest matches of the season, eight live matches each matchday from Friday to Sunday, along with a major free-to-air highlights show on Sunday evening, has already surpassed 1 million subscribers.
The television company behind this venture is beIN Sports, a notable absentee from the list of partners of LFP Media in distributing Ligue 1+ previously. The channel is available at €14.99/month and benefits from distribution on DAZN, Prime Video, RMC Sport, Molotov, Orange, Free, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom, as well as DTC distribution on Samsung, LG, Google, Apple, and FireTV.
The success of Ligue 1+ can be attributed to strong public engagement with the French Ligue 1 championship and its clubs, as well as a compelling editorial experience curated with club support. In fact, 72% of current subscribers have committed for the duration of the season, demonstrating a high level of viewer loyalty.
However, the journey to this point has not been without its challenges. The decision by Ligue 1 clubs to pull out of their deal with DAZN adds to the catalogue of uncertainty in the French football broadcasting landscape. This move follows a breakdown in relations between LFP Media and DAZN, with the latter rejecting a proposal from the Ligue.
The dispute between Canal+ and LFP Media over the distribution of Ligue 1+ continues. Canal+, a notable absentee from the list of platforms distributing Ligue 1+, has not been part of the agreement. Those under the age of 16 can receive the channel at €9.99/month, though access is restricted to mobiles, tablets, and computers.
It's worth noting that the ninth match screened live by beIN Sports will be time-delayed. This decision might be a response to the complexities of the current broadcasting landscape, where multiple platforms are involved in the distribution of Ligue 1+.
In conclusion, the launch of Ligue 1+ and its subsequent success is a significant development in the French football broadcasting industry. With strong viewer engagement and a compelling editorial experience, the channel is poised to continue its growth in the coming seasons. The ongoing disputes, however, underscore the complexities of the industry and the challenges that lie ahead.
