In a surprising turn of events, sports streaming service DAZN has emerged as the savior of top-division soccer in France, securing a five-year deal worth a whopping €500M ($540M). The deal, which includes broadcasting all 306 matches, comes after fears that Ligue 1 would start without an official broadcast partner. BeIN Sports has also secured a select number of games, ensuring that fans will not miss out on any action.
The departure of key players like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in recent seasons has significantly reduced the star power draw of Ligue 1. Negotiations for broadcasting rights had rolled on without success, with previous rights owner Amazon opting not to renew. The joint bid from DAZN and BeIN Sports came as a last-minute lifeline for the league, ensuring that fans can continue to enjoy top-quality soccer.
The deal with Ligue 1 marks another milestone for DAZN, which has already secured broadcast rights to top-division soccer in Italy, Spain, and Germany. With a reported cost of around €400M per season, DAZN’s investment in soccer broadcasting is a testament to the growing popularity of streaming services in the sports industry. The dedicated ‘Ligue 1 McDonald’s experience’ promises to offer fans an immersive and seamless viewing experience.
Pay-TV provider BeIN Sports has also played a significant role in securing broadcasting rights for Ligue 1. With a reported cost of around €100M for the 5 pm Saturday match, BeIN Sports will continue to provide premium soccer content to its subscribers. The partnership with DAZN ensures that fans can access matches on both platforms, enhancing the overall viewer experience.
The agreements with DAZN and BeIN Sports have come as a huge relief for French clubs, especially those just promoted from Ligue 2. The financial stability that comes with the broadcasting deal is crucial for the long-term development of French football. Vincent Labrune, President of the LFP, emphasized the importance of the agreements in ensuring the growth and attractiveness of French football. The unity of French football stakeholders has been instrumental in securing these deals, paving the way for a brighter future for the sport in France.
Both DAZN and BeIN Sports have expressed their commitment to growing the reach and value of Ligue 1. DAZN’s CEO, Shay Segev, highlighted the company’s fan-focused approach to production, marketing, and distribution, emphasizing the mutual benefit of a successful partnership with French football. BeIN Sports echoed these sentiments in their statement, underscoring their role as an official broadcast partner of Ligue 1 in France.
The landscape of soccer streaming in France has been reshaped by the landmark deal between DAZN and BeIN Sports. The partnership promises to elevate the viewing experience for fans, support the financial stability of French clubs, and contribute to the overall growth and attractiveness of Ligue 1. As the new era of soccer broadcasting unfolds, innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence will be key drivers of success in the evolving sports media industry.