For several weeks, tension has been at its height between Dazn and the Professional Football League (LFP). What was to be a structuring partnership for the broadcast of Ligue 1 turns to permanent confrontation. Last episode to date: the judicial mediation between the two parties, initially planned to end on March 31, was extended until April 10. A stay … But who does not settle anything.
According to information from RMC Sport, DAZN now plans to leave Ligue 1 from the end of the season, despite a current contract until 2029. The British company, faced with colossal losses and a series of frustrations, calls back to question. Why this reversal so brutal? Why such a break in confidence? Here are the 5 reasons that explain this possible thunder in TV rights.
An economic model that collapses
Announced as the Savior of TV rights in Ligue 1, Dazn is today in question of his commitment with the LFP. While a contract up to 375 million euros per year until 2029 had been signed, the platform now seeks to review the conditions. In question: colossal losses, powered by a figure of subscribers much lower than expectations – only 500,000 against the 1.5 million hoped for.
Between the LFP and Dazn, it does not work out.
Clubs that do not play the game
Dazn also accuses Ligue 1 clubs to brake the valuation of the product. Depending on the platform, access to players, behind the scenes or even sensitive areas remains too limited. An action plan had however been proposed to enrich the experience and attract new subscribers, but the clubs would not have respected their commitments. “The vast majority of clubs continue to be backwards when it comes to sharing”, The journalist Amber Godillon revealed this Wednesday. Hence Dazn's request to introduce a variable part in payments, linked to the level of club cooperation.
A fight against piracy deemed ineffective
Another point of tension: hacking, which Dazn considers far too present and badly fought in France. The diffuser points to the lack of means of the Arcom to block illegal broadcasts and denounce an overly permissive regulatory environment. Result: a product too easily accessible without subscription, which seals the profitability of the Ligue 1 project for the platform.
Critical financial deadlines
The conflict is also bogged down on the financial field. The next payment deadline set for April 30 promises to be crucial, Dazn threatening not to settle the entire sum due. The LFP, for its part, is struggling to impose compliance with the contract, and fears a failure that would jeopardize the cash flow of short -term clubs. Dazn seems to play the watch, aware of its weight in the equation.
A badly sized contract from the start
At the bottom of the problem is an ill -calibrated deal from the outset. Dazn has signed up to 375 million euros per year on a fragile product, without having reached the critical threshold of subscribers to make its investment profitable. According to its leaders, the forecasts provided at the time of negotiations were overestimated, and certain key data were hidden from them. This feeling of having been “superinding” Ligue 1 today feeds their desire for early rupture. A legal action is even in progress, with a complaint of 573 million euros to the key to “deception on the goods”.
Faced with this explosive cocktail, the risk of rupture this summer is no longer a simple threat of communication. Dazn has already informed the LFP that an early departure was envisaged. If this is the case, the league will have to activate financial guarantees and prepare a plan B in an emergency. The TV rights crisis enters a critical phase, and the whole economic model of French football is trembling.
