Ligue 1 surpasses the milestone of one million subscribers
The French top-flight football, Ligue 1, is experiencing a significant shift with the successful launch of the Ligue 1+ streaming platform. The platform, which was introduced in August 2022, has surpassed 1 million subscribers within the first month of competition.
The Ligue 1+ channel will broadcast the ten biggest matches of the season, with eight live matches each matchday from Friday to Sunday. A major free-to-air highlights show on Sunday evening is also part of the Ligue 1+ programming. The ninth match screened live by beIN Sports will be time-delayed.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) has announced the platforms that will distribute Ligue 1+ starting from the 2025-2026 season: Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free, SFR, and DAZN. However, Canal+, a notable broadcaster, is conspicuously absent from the list, as the dispute between Canal+ and LFP Media over the distribution of Ligue 1+ continues.
Besides LFP Media, the companies Canal+ and beIN Sports have committed as broadcast partners for the distribution of the Ligue 1+ platform. Bundled offerings and targeted marketing campaigns have boosted the market reach of Ligue 1+. As of September 14, Ligue 1+ recorded 1.026 million subscribers.
The decision by Ligue 1 clubs to pull out of their deal with DAZN adds to the uncertainty in the French football broadcasting landscape. The ongoing dispute between DAZN and the LFP has led to a breakdown in relations between the two sides.
Ligue1+ is available at €14.99/month, and those under the age of 16 can receive the channel at €9.99/month, restricted to mobiles, tablets, and computers. As of now, 72% of current subscribers have committed for the duration of the season.
Despite the ongoing shake-up in the French football broadcasting landscape, the success of Ligue 1+ indicates a promising future for the platform. The channel is set to broadcast from the 2025-2026 season, providing fans with an exciting new way to follow their favourite teams.
