Despite Maxime Saada’s speech, the encrypted channel would not have completely given up on Ligue 1. Canal nevertheless expects a strong gesture from the League.
Three weeks after the – unsuccessful – auctions organized by the LFP, there is total uncertainty regarding the allocation of TV rights for Ligue 1. Since October 17, the leaders of the League have started over-the-counter discussions with the various market players and according to RMC, these negotiations have seen clear progress, particularly with DAZN, presented as the “Netflix of Sport”.
A meeting between the two parties would have taken place within the framework of Sportel, which was held in Monaco from October 24 to 26. The meeting would have been very fruitful and DAZN would have been “more confident than ever”. Exchanges also reportedly took place between the League and Amazon, despite the American giant’s refusal to participate in the call for tenders. Prime Video nevertheless remains unclear about its intentions and its employees are waiting.
The surprise could come from Canal+. The encrypted channel, however, issued a scathing press release to announce that it would not take part in the call for tenders and denounce the League’s methods. However, Canal has not given up TV rights to Ligue 1. Maxime Saada nevertheless refuses to discuss the future as long as the problems of the past have not been resolved. The group sees the 330 million euros paid each year for the two matches broadcast each day as an injustice without benefiting from first choice and wants financial compensation for this purpose, without specifying the amount. It is now up to the LFP to take the first step.
