TV Rights: LFP Approaches Canal+, RMC and Netflix for Ligue 1 from 2027

LFP Media has begun exploratory discussions with several potential broadcasters for a call for tenders for Ligue 1 TV rights for the 2027-2032 period, according to L’Équipe. Chief executive Olivier Bramly reportedly announced to the League’s board of directors his wish to advance this consultation, originally scheduled for 2029.

The reason for this acceleration is financial. Despite the editorial efforts of Ligue 1+, the LFP’s in-house channel generates only “a few million euros per season” for the clubs, a level deemed insufficient. Finding an external broadcaster has become a priority.

Canal+, absent from the last call for tenders after several years of tensions with the LFP, is among the media outlets approached, as are RMC Sport and digital platforms such as Netflix, Apple and Prime Video. The LFP now has an additional advantage: since beIN Sports abandoned the Saturday afternoon match, LFP Media controls 100% of matches and can offer the entire championship in a single package — a configuration likely to interest a major player, whether through direct acquisition of rights or distribution of Ligue 1+.

The asking price will remain decisive. On Canal+’s side, uncertainty weighs on the group’s investment capacity: its president Maxime Saada has expressed concerns about a government proposal to double VAT on pay channels, from 10% to 20%, in the 2027 finance bill. If this measure were adopted, Canal+ could be forced to scale back its commitments in sport and cinema.