Could French football enthusiasts soon watch a Ligue 1 match for free every weekend? That possibility hinges on a draft law set for review by the National Assembly this Monday. After multiple delays, the bill—which seeks to overhaul French football—includes an amendment requiring at least one Ligue 1 match per matchday to be broadcast on free-to-air television.

“This would undeniably boost national football’s visibility”

Currently, accessing Ligue 1 matches requires a subscription to Ligue1+, priced from €15 per month. With approximately one million subscribers, the platform has carved out a significant but exclusive audience. Advocates of the amendment argue that the growing number of paid sports broadcasting platforms is pushing fans away from live events and fueling piracy. “To make professional competitions accessible to the widest possible audience,” they propose, “each broadcasting rights sale should include a clause mandating the free-to-air broadcast of at least one match per week.” This initiative stems from a 2021 parliamentary report on sports broadcasting rights, led by MP Cédric Roussel.

Can Ligue 1 matches soon be watched for free every week?

1:05

The economic stakes are substantial. Sports economist Pierre Rondeau highlights that “two years ago, the LFP estimated 22 million French people were interested in Ligue 1, but only one million subscribed to Ligue1+”. He suggests that free broadcasts could attract millions more viewers, turning casual fans into regular television audiences.

However, the LFP vehemently opposes the amendment, warning that free broadcasts could devalue broadcasting rights—currently accounting for over 50% of clubs’ revenue. Intensive lobbying from the league and television broadcasters has intensified since the amendment’s introduction.