Ligue 1 could face early change under exit clause

Ligue 1’s television future could be reopened as early as next March, putting the current Ligue 1+ model and subscribers’ viewing habits at risk before the next scheduled rights cycle. The possibility depends on a clause in existing distribution agreements and on a major broadcaster committing substantial funding to future rights.

Ligue 1+ currently holds exclusive rights to the championship, while the LFP is preparing a tender for the 2029-30 through 2033-34 seasons. If a powerful broadcaster makes a sufficiently large investment in those future rights, the league could end its existing distribution contracts and offer that group control of the current platform as well. The winner would then gain the championship up to two years earlier than planned.

That prospect could increase the value of the tender for major audiovisual companies and allow the LFP to sell every match in one package. French legislation now permits that structure, making the offer potentially more attractive than previous consultations, which failed to produce strong results.

LFP Media chief Olivier Bramly has been meeting leading industry figures, including Canal+. Nothing guarantees that a broadcaster will commit the required sum, but the clause gives Ligue 1 a possible route back to an established rights partner. If used, it would leave Ligue 1+’s role and the way supporters access matches uncertain well before 2029.