Football fans in France could soon enjoy a weekly free-to-air Ligue 1 match on television if a new legislative proposal gains approval. After multiple postponements, the National Assembly is now reviewing the sports reform bill, which includes a groundbreaking amendment mandating the free broadcast of one top-flight game every week.
The amendment under discussion aims to address concerns over rising subscription costs and the surge in illegal streaming. Proponents argue that the proliferation of paid sports packages has increasingly priced out casual viewers, pushing many toward unauthorized viewing options. « The current model is pushing fans away from legitimate broadcasts and fueling piracy, which undermines the entire ecosystem, » stated a parliamentary source involved in drafting the bill.
Debate on the proposal is scheduled for today, with lawmakers expected to scrutinize its potential impact on both broadcasters and clubs.
Backlash from football authorities
The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from professional leagues and sports stakeholders. In a joint statement, key figures argued that mandatory free broadcasting « would inevitably erode the commercial value of broadcast rights at a time when French sports must expand revenue streams and secure sustainable funding ».
Twenty-two presidents of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs echoed these concerns in a published op-ed, labeling the proposal « fundamentally flawed » and warning of unintended consequences for club finances and competition integrity.
The bill remains far from finalized. Following today’s parliamentary session, further amendments may be introduced before a joint committee review on July 21. Beyond the free-to-air debate, the legislation also tackles illegal streaming, enhances the role of federations and the Ministry of Sports in league governance, revisits audiovisual revenue redistribution, and proposes caps on executive compensation.
