Free-to-air Ligue 1 match at the heart of parliamentary debate

France’s National Assembly is reviewing a proposed law on Monday that aims to reform professional football. Among the measures under discussion is an amendment that would require one Ligue 1 match per matchday to be broadcast on free-to-air television. This idea, which has been floated in recent months, comes as games are currently only available through the Ligue1+ platform, which costs at least 15 euros per month for a subscription.

Goal: broaden access to the championship

The lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the growing number of pay-TV broadcasters and subscription services is alienating part of the public from sports competitions and fueling piracy. They believe that reserving a specific package for free broadcast of one match each week would boost the visibility of the French league. The proposal draws on findings from a 2021 parliamentary fact-finding mission on sports broadcasting rights led by Cédric Roussel.

Sports economist Pierre Rondeau also thinks that free-to-air coverage could attract a wider audience. He points out that the Professional Football League (LFP) estimated 22 million French people are interested in Ligue 1, compared to roughly one million subscribers to Ligue1+.

LFP opposes the move

The LFP, however, is against this amendment. The league fears that free-to-air broadcasts would reduce 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 text’s examination.

Broader reform of professional football

Already passed by the Senate and then in committee at the National Assembly, the proposed law may still evolve 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 compensation.