Ligue 1+ Launch: How France’s Top Flight is Revolutionizing Football Broadcasting

As the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season approaches, French football is poised for a groundbreaking transformation in how fans experience the game. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has officially unveiled Ligue 1+, an over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform that will be the first major football league-owned broadcast channel in the world. Scheduled to launch on August 15, 2025, Ligue 1+ marks a bold departure from traditional rights sales, giving the league direct control over its content, distribution, and revenue—a seismic shift in football broadcasting.

A New Era: Vertical Integration in Football Broadcasting

Historically, leagues have sold broadcasting rights to third-party broadcasters and streaming services, relying on them to package and distribute matches. However, Ligue 1+ breaks this mold by vertically integrating production and distribution under the league's own umbrella. This model enables the LFP to own the entire fan experience—from the editorial voice and match coverage to the subscription and platform management.

At a high-profile press conference in Paris, Jérôme Cazadieu, Marketing and Editorial Director of LFP Media, emphasized this vision of “hyperdistribution”—making Ligue 1 content available wherever fans consume media, whether online, on mobile devices, connected TVs, or gaming consoles.

“We seek to widen our subscriber base and meet fans where they usually consume content,” Cazadieu said. “Our dedicated platform will provide seamless access through website, apps, and gaming devices, ensuring Ligue 1+ is everywhere football fans want it to be.”

This approach aims not only to increase accessibility but also to deepen engagement, offering fans exclusive editorial content alongside live matches.

Subscription Model Designed for Accessibility and Flexibility

Ligue 1+ comes with a tiered pricing structure crafted to attract diverse demographics:

• General Offer: €14.99 per month with a commitment, allowing two simultaneous users.
• No-Commitment Option: €16.99 per month for greater flexibility.
• Mobile/Tablet Single-User Package: €14.99 per month without commitment, tailored for on-the-go viewers.
• Under-26 Package: A discounted €9.99 option, planned for rollout after the season starts.

By blending affordable pricing with flexible usage options, the LFP aims to broaden Ligue 1's reach both domestically and internationally.

Strategic Distribution Partnerships Ensure Wide Reach

To guarantee broad availability, LFP Media has secured distribution agreements with major French telecommunications companies—Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free, SFR—and global streaming giant DAZN. These partnerships ensure Ligue 1+ will be integrated into familiar platforms for millions of viewers, combining the benefits of direct streaming with established access points.

Mediawan Sport: Editorial Excellence Behind the Scenes

Recognizing the critical role of production quality and storytelling, LFP Media entrusted Mediawan Sport, a subsidiary of the Mediawan Group, with editorial production of Ligue 1+. This marks a significant investment in professional, high-quality content creation.

Frédéric de Vincelles, Managing Director of Mediawan Sport, expressed enthusiasm:

“We are proud to partner with LFP Media on this ambitious project. Our goal is to blend immersive storytelling with top-tier football coverage, creating an engaging experience that resonates with fans worldwide.”

The editorial team boasts some of French football’s most respected voices, including journalists and former players such as Thibault Le Rol, Xavier Domergue, Lesly Boitrelle, Marina Lorenzo, Sébastien Dupuis, and brothers Bruno and Benoît Cheyrou. Their expertise promises insightful analysis, expert commentary, and diverse content that extends beyond matchdays.

Context: A Response to Challenges in the Rights Market

Ligue 1’s previous broadcasting agreements, particularly with international platforms, struggled to meet financial and audience expectations. The underperformance of these deals created pressure to innovate. Owning its platform allows Ligue 1 to sidestep intermediaries, reclaim revenue control, and tailor content directly to fan preferences.

This move is particularly timely given the accelerating shift in global media consumption from traditional TV to digital streaming and direct-to-consumer platforms. Other sports leagues have explored OTT offerings, but Ligue 1 is pioneering this fully integrated league-owned model, positioning itself as a trailblazer in sports media innovation.

Potential Impact on Global Football Broadcasting

Ligue 1+ could set a new standard for football broadcasting worldwide. By combining:

• Direct fan relationships,
• Innovative technology infrastructure,
• Editorial control, and
• Strategic distribution partnerships,

the platform may create a sustainable and scalable model that other leagues watch closely.

If successful, this direct-to-fan approach may influence rights negotiations, content delivery, and fan engagement strategies across the football ecosystem—offering a blueprint for balancing commercial imperatives with fan-centric experiences.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite high expectations, Ligue 1+ faces significant challenges:

• Subscriber Acquisition: Competing with incumbent broadcasters and free-to-air options requires aggressive marketing and compelling content beyond live matches.
• Content Quality and Innovation: Maintaining high production values and delivering fresh, engaging editorial content will be critical to retaining subscribers.
• International Penetration: Ligue 1 must leverage DAZN and other partners to expand its footprint beyond France, competing in crowded global football markets.

Nevertheless, the league’s comprehensive preparation—including pricing flexibility, distribution breadth, and editorial investment—provides a solid foundation.

Conclusion

Ligue 1+ is more than a streaming platform; it’s a strategic revolution in football broadcasting. By taking full ownership of its media rights and fan experience, Ligue 1 is embracing the future of digital sports consumption. As the platform goes live in August 2025, the eyes of the football world will be on France to see if this pioneering model can deliver sustainable growth, richer fan engagement, and a new paradigm for how the beautiful game is broadcast globally.

References

• SVG Europe: Ligue 1 Unveils Ligue 1+ OTT Offering
• SVG Europe: Mediawan Sport Wins Ligue 1 Production Deal
• LFP Official: Ligue 1+, the New Home of French Football from August 15

By embracing direct-to-consumer streaming, Ligue 1+ signals a bold vision where football leagues become not just competitions but media innovators shaping the future of sport.