Since its launch as the main broadcaster of Ligue 1, DAZN has struggled to achieve its objectives. Despite efforts to establish itself, the number of subscribers remains well below expectations. A case made worse by the explosion of piracy which is undermining French football revenues.
A difficult start for DAZN
With an investment of 400 million euros per year, DAZN hoped to establish itself as the essential broadcaster of Ligue 1. But according to Vincent Labrune the number of subscribers is insufficient:
“They did not live up to their predictions”declared the president of the LFP. Despite a reduction in the subscription to 19.99 euros, subscribers would cap at 500,000, far from the 1.5 million needed to avoid an exit clause in 2025.
The main culprit? Piracy. According to an Ipsos study, 37% of spectators use illegal means to watch matches. A figure which rose to 55% during the OM-PSG clash. Losses are estimated at 290 million euros per year for sport in France.
Efforts to counter piracy
DAZN and Arcom have blocked more than 7,400 pirate sites since 2022, but these measures remain insufficient in the face of the evolution of piracy techniques. Solutions such as real-time IP blocking, already adopted in Italy and the United Kingdom, are mentioned as avenues for strengthening the fight.
An uncertain future for DAZN and Ligue 1
The success of DAZN is crucial for the economic viability of Ligue 1. A possible failure of the broadcaster could plunge the LFP back into a crisis similar to that of the failure of Mediapro in 2020. Furthermore, Labrune calls for a reflection on the strategy pricing and spectator loyalty.
