The landscape of French professional football could be on the verge of a major transformation. This Monday, the Assemblée nationale is scheduled to examine a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the sport, with one specific amendment drawing intense scrutiny: the requirement to broadcast one Ligue 1 match for free during every single round of the championship.
Currently, followers of the French top flight must subscribe to the Ligue1+ platform, with prices starting at 15 euros per month. While the service has attracted roughly one million subscribers, proponents of the new law argue that this model is failing the broader public. They contend that the fragmentation of sports rights across multiple paid platforms is alienating fans and inadvertently fueling the rise of digital piracy.
Increasing the visibility of national football
The deputies behind this amendment believe that ensuring at least one match per week is available on a non-encrypted channel would significantly boost the exposure of the domestic league. This initiative stems from a 2021 report on audiovisual sports rights led by Deputy Cédric Roussel, which highlighted the need for greater accessibility.
Economic experts, including Pierre Rondeau, suggest there is a massive untapped audience. While an estimated 22 million people in France follow Ligue 1, only a small fraction are currently paying for the official stream. Transitioning to a free-to-air model for select matches could potentially bring in millions of additional viewers who are currently priced out of the market.
Strong resistance from football authorities
However, the LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel) remains staunchly opposed to the move. The governing body fears that providing free access to matches will lead to a sharp decline in the value of broadcasting rights. This is a critical concern for professional teams, as media revenue typically accounts for more than half of a club’s total income. Intense lobbying efforts have been directed at lawmakers to prevent the amendment from becoming law.
The proposed legislation has already cleared several hurdles, having been adopted by the Sénat last year and passing through an assembly commission in May. Following today’s debate in the hemicycle, the text will likely face further refinements during a joint committee session scheduled for July 21. Beyond broadcasting, the bill addresses a wide array of issues, including enhanced anti-piracy measures, a stronger role for the Sports Ministry in league governance, and the implementation of salary caps for top executives.