French parliament to debate free-to-air ligue 1 match proposal
On Monday, the National Assembly will review a bill to reform professional football. A key amendment proposes broadcasting one Ligue 1 match per round on free-to-air television. Supporters say it would boost the league’s visibility and curb piracy, while the LFP fears it could reduce the value of broadcasting rights, the main revenue source for French professional clubs.
Free-to-air Ligue 1 match at the heart of debate
This Monday, the National Assembly is examining a bill to reform professional football. Among the provisions under discussion is an amendment requiring one Ligue 1 match per matchday to be broadcast on free television. This idea, floated in recent months, comes as matches are currently available only via the Ligue1+ platform, which costs from €15 per month.
Goal: broaden access to the championship
The lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the proliferation of pay-TV channels and subscriptions is alienating some fans and fueling piracy. They believe setting aside a specific slot for a free weekly match would increase the French league’s exposure. The proposal draws on the findings of a 2021 parliamentary fact-finding mission on sports broadcasting rights led by Cédric Roussel.
Sports economist Pierre Rondeau agrees that free broadcasting could attract a wider audience. He notes the Professional Football League estimated 22 million French people are interested in Ligue 1, compared to about one million Ligue1+ subscribers.
LFP opposes the move
The LFP, however, is against the amendment. The league argues that free-to-air broadcasts could lower the value of audiovisual rights, which account for more than half of club revenues. Discussions between the league, broadcasters, and parliamentarians have intensified ahead of the bill’s review.
Broader reform of professional football
Already passed by the Senate and then in committee at the National Assembly, the bill may still change after debate on the floor, before a joint committee scheduled for July 21. The text also addresses anti-piracy measures, strengthening the role of federations and the Sports Ministry in governing professional leagues, redistributing broadcast revenues, and capping executive salaries.
