A weekly Ligue 1 match on free TV under debate
This Monday, the French National Assembly is reviewing a proposed law aimed at reforming professional football. Among the provisions under discussion is an amendment that would require one Ligue 1 match per round to be broadcast on free-to-air television. The measure, already floated in previous months, comes as matches are currently available only through the Ligue1+ platform, which costs from 15 euros per month for a subscription.
Goal: widen access to the championship
The lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the proliferation of pay-TV broadcasters and subscription packages is alienating part of the public from sports competitions and encouraging piracy. They believe that reserving a specific package for the free broadcast of one match each week would boost the visibility of the French top flight. The proposal draws on the findings of a 2021 fact-finding mission on audiovisual broadcasting rights for sports events led by Cédric Roussel.
Sports economist Pierre Rondeau agrees that free-to-air coverage could attract a broader audience. He notes that the French Professional Football League once estimated 22 million French people are interested in Ligue 1, compared with roughly one million subscribers to Ligue1+.
LFP opposes the change
The LFP, however, stands against this amendment. The governing body argues that free-to-air broadcasts could lower the value of audiovisual rights, which generate more than half of club revenues. Talks between the league, broadcasters and parliamentarians have intensified ahead of the bill’s review.
A broader reform of professional football
Already passed by the Senate and then in committee at the National Assembly, the proposed law may still be amended during plenary debate, before a joint committee scheduled for July 21. The text also addresses anti-piracy efforts, strengthening the role of federations and the Sports Ministry in governing professional leagues, redistributing broadcasting income, and capping executive salaries.
