LFP accelerates Ligue 1 TV rights tender to address revenue shortfall

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) is preparing to launch a new tender for Ligue 1 broadcasting rights for the 2027-2032 period. This move comes two years earlier than the previously anticipated 2029-2034 cycle, signaling an urgent need for new revenue streams following the underwhelming performance of the Ligue 1+ platform.

While previous ambitions aimed for figures near one billion euros, the LFP is now reportedly targeting approximately 250 million euros per season for a single package covering all matches. This target is considered a best-case scenario. Potential bidders being considered include Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, RMC Sport, and Canal+.

The accelerated timeline aims to secure agreements by March 2027 to allow for necessary legal and contractual preparations. The shift reflects a strategic pivot from the LFP attempting to act as a broadcaster to returning to its role as a rights seller, driven by pressure from clubs facing minimal distributions from current models.