Without Canal+, without a net. While the Professional Football League is about to launch its 100 % Ligue 1 channel, the subscription price is now set behind the scenes. The clubs learned it at a last updream meeting. The strategy is clear: attract massively, while maximizing profitability. However, the announcement of the price is already debated. For its first season, the platform will broadcast eight matches out of nine every day. This service will be offered at… 14.99 euros per month, with a youth formula at 9.99 euros for those under 26.
The league makes the big leap without Canal+
The rupture with Canal+ is now acted. Maxime Saada, by a dry media outing, ended months of discussion. Result: Ligue 1 loses the historic diffusion channel, as well as its 2.5 million potential subscribers. A loss of power that worries clubs, already scalded by the hemorrhage of TV rights. For them, it is a leap into a vacuum, without a solid partner to ensure the visibility of the championship.
But what will happen if the projections fail? If the platform attracts less than 500,000 subscribers, losses could amount to nearly 230 million euros, undermining the financial balance of the whole league. In this scenario, the domino effects would be numerous: hacking would start upwards, in particular via the illegal replays which multiply as soon as the official supply struggles to convince. As for the least loyal supporters, those who zap between two posters or who consume football in a more diffuse manner, they may be confused by this new organization and to get completely. The league plays big, and the slightest misstep could rush a new collapse of the model.
Ligue 1: A shock price for the chain which must save French football
The LFP swears to have learned the lessons from the past. In 2024, Dazn had launched its Ligue 1 pass to € 34.99, attracting barely 350,000 customers. The consequence: cascading unsubscribing, piracy explosion (+50 %) and precipitated withdrawal of the platform. This time, the leaders assure that the offer is more “accessible”. But the trauma is still lively in the spirits.
Last minute bets
While the launch is scheduled for August 15, negotiations are underway with Free, Orange or Amazon Channels for a possible secondary distribution. A “early output” clause after two seasons does exist. A sword of damocles suspended above a still fragile model.
Will € 14.99 per month be enough to convince a million fans and save the hoped-for € 500 million? Verdict within 45 days. Until then, a whole league holds his breath.
