Canal+, expected twist!

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By: Nicolas Gerbault

Canal+, expected twist!

Despite being in conflict with the LFP for several years, Canal+ should participate in the new call for tenders for TV rights to Ligue 1 over the period 2024-2029 and the audiovisual group could even emerge as the big winner.

It was this Tuesday that the LFP officially launched the call for tenders for TV rights for L1 and L2 for the period 2024-2029. In his dream of a billion euros (for the two championships and international rights), Vincent Labrune extended the next window from four to five years, with only two prizes, in order to encourage competition between the some candidates. Everything will be decided during an auction session scheduled for October 17.

According to RMC Sport, “ Canal+ should indeed play one of the main roles in this call for tenders “. And it’s quite a surprise, since the encrypted channel, certainly the historic broadcaster of the French championship, has been in disagreement with the league since the reallocation of Mediapro’s lot to Amazon in June 2021 for only 250 million euros (while C+ pays 332 million for two matches). Since then, the audiovisual group has taken several legal actions.

Canal+ and DAZN, the winning duo?

What is even more improbable is that Canal would probably target lot 1, priced at 530 million euros per season, to recover the best match of the weekend, as well as the 2nd and 4th choices. And nothing says that Canal+ will not offer the rest of Ligue 1 in its offer, via beIN Sports or DAZN, two of its partners. DAZN, nicknamed the “Netflix of sport”, intends to broadcast Ligue 1 over the next period 2024-2029. Canal makes it a strong ally in this call for tenders.

Lot 2, for a minimum of €270 million, includes the 3rd choice (Saturday evening) and choice matches 5 to 9 (including the multiplex of 3 matches), which will be postponed to Sunday 5 p.m. If DAZN wins, it will then be able to broadcast one of the matches via Canal+, mycanal offering one of DAZN’s channels since mid-August. The other matches will be available on VOD. If beIN Sports wins the prize, Canal+ will broadcast all the matches via its sports offering.

Lot 1: Friday 8:45 p.m., Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 8:45 p.m.
Lot 2: Saturday 5 p.m., Saturday 8:45 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m. (3 matches)

Nicolas Gerbault

Written by:

Nicolas Gerbault

Nicolas Gerbault is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Nicolas discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Nicolas enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.