The start of the Ligue 1 season is approaching, but there is still no broadcaster for the matches. In recent days, the idea of the League launching its own channel and broadcasting matches itself has gained traction. This appears to be the only solution if an agreement with a broadcaster is not reached soon, and the LFP has begun preparations, looking for journalists and directors to hire.
However, the ideal scenario is selling these rights to one or more broadcasters. RMC Sport has revealed new information from sources close to the situation, painting a bleak picture. “All broadcasters, including DAZN, Amazon, Apple, BeIN, and even Canal, have the same observations. We all have the same data and the same experience: no one will go alone and pay more than €400-500 million,” indicates a source at RMC.
Labrune Faces Pressure
Regardless of the outcome, the amount received by the league – and therefore the clubs – will likely be low. beIN Sports has made its position clear: they do not want to pay for everything alone and expect Canal to contribute financially. Otherwise, there will be no agreement. Despite Vincent Labrune’s efforts to convince the French group, Canal has no intention of committing. “I don’t believe I’m an obstacle for Canal. I’ve been working to improve things for several years. I hope the time for reason will come,” Labrune recently stated.
The RMC Sport article strongly criticizes the LFP boss. “The sole negotiator, Vincent Labrune, is walking a tightrope, and French football is tied to his fate. His significant salary increase, relentless publicity about his proximity to the President of the Republic, and bluffing ultimately angered the other players at the negotiating table,” explained a source on the radio, followed by another insider: “Labrune is playing poker and he literally has a pair of deuces, while claiming he has a pair of kings.” It’s clear that he needs to find a solution quickly – for his own sake, but more importantly for the future of French football.
Pub. and 04/07/2024 08:51
Updated 04/07/2024 10:23
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Ligue 1 TV Rights: A Game of Poker with High Stakes
As the new Ligue 1 season approaches, the absence of a broadcaster remains a major concern. The possibility of the League launching its own channel and broadcasting matches itself has gained momentum, potentially becoming the only solution if no agreement with a broadcaster is reached soon. The LFP has reportedly already begun preparations for this scenario, seeking journalists and directors to staff such a channel.
Broadcasters Hesitant to Pay Premium Price
However, the ideal scenario remains selling broadcasting rights to one or more traditional broadcasters. According to sources close to the case, several major players including DAZN, Amazon, Apple, BeIN, and Canal have expressed reluctance to pay a high price. “All broadcasters share the same observation. We all have the same data and the same experience: no one will go alone and pay more than 400-500 million euros,” a source at RMC Sport revealed.
Labrune Faces Criticism Amidst Negotiations
The potential financial impact on the league and its clubs is significant, with a low revenue outcome predicted. BeIN Sports, for example, reportedly refuses to pay the full price alone, demanding Canal’s participation. Canal, however, shows no intention of getting involved, despite LFP President Vincent Labrune’s attempts to persuade them.
Labrune’s Negotiation Strategy Questioned
Labrune has been the subject of criticism for his handling of the negotiations, with some sources claiming his tactics are pushing French football towards a dangerous precipice. “The only negotiator, Vincent Labrune is walking on the edge of the precipice and French football is roped in with him. A huge salary increase, publicity at every turn about his closeness to the President of the Republic, the bluff has ended up annoying the protagonists at the gaming table,” said a source at RMC Sport. Another source added, “Labrune is playing poker and he literally has a pair of 2s, while saying he has a king and a queen.”
The situation highlights the precarious position of Ligue 1, with the absence of a broadcaster threatening its financial stability. Time is running out for Labrune to secure a deal that benefits both the league and its clubs.