It’s not just for PSG that the week has been very good. For Canal+ too, the European adventure of Luis Enrique’s men is a success. On Wednesday, there were 3.81 million viewers on the encrypted channel for the semi-final second leg against Bayern.
“We were the leading channel in France and, for the first time in history, we did more than the first two free channels combined, savors Maxime Saada in the columns of L’Equipe. During the day, we also achieved our historic subscription sales record. »
The period is therefore good for Canal+ which, in France,
“has experienced a continuous increase in its subscriptions for more than six years. » This therefore validates the channel’s strategy of focusing on several premium rights, including the Champions League, after the “loss” of Ligue 1 between 2018.
Ligue 1 back on Canal+?
The French championship was still visible on the Canal+ group’s channels until this season, via beIN Sports. This will no longer be the case next year. “I indeed regret it for our subscribers, even if today their satisfaction is at the highest historical level”explains Saada.
However, the situation could still change. “I am still in favor of distributing Ligue 1+ from the coming season”assures the boss of Canal+, who indicates that he was ready to do the same from this season. According to his version, the agreement collapsed twice, first due to a disagreement over the price, then because the LFP wanted an end to the legal dispute between the two parties.
Some then felt that Saada, out of revenge against the League, wanted to scuttle Ligue 1+. He denies it.
“When the club presidents are ready to discuss and finalize the contract, I will be ready to sign. But I no longer want to hear that Canal wants to kill Ligue 1! Beyond our desire to distribute Ligue 1+ in France, Canal+ broadcasts L1 in French-speaking Africa and now in English-speaking Africa. In almost 40 countries. All while doubling the amount of our investment with the LFP. Canal thus remains one of the main financiers of the Championship. »
