Canal+ eyes a return for Ligue 1 rights from 2029

Canal+ could return to the Ligue 1 rights market as the LFP prepares to reshape its television strategy. The league is considering launching a new tender as early as October for the 2029-30 to 2033-34 seasons, with the aim of restoring the value of its main domestic competition and improving clubs’ financial position.

Ligue 1+ currently carries every match, but the income reaching top-flight clubs remains below the initial expectations. The league has also lost the €78.5 million paid each year by beIN Sports for the Saturday afternoon fixture, while DAZN’s early departure from its agreement brought an €85 million payment. The figures have increased pressure on the LFP to plan beyond its current arrangement.

Olivier Bramly, head of LFP Media, has held discussions with potential partners including Apple, Netflix, Amazon and Paramount. He also recently met Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada to discuss the league’s plans and the possible tender. Earlier contact between Saada and former LFP president Vincent Labrune had already reopened communication between the two sides.

The rights will now be eligible for sale as a single package, removing the split that previously complicated the market. That change could make Ligue 1 more attractive to Canal+ and large streaming platforms. A planned shift towards a company owned by the clubs may also provide a new commercial framework, while the tender would test whether the championship can regain stronger broadcast revenues after years of changing distributors.