National Assembly debates free-to-air Ligue 1 match each week

Expanding access to the championship

Lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the proliferation of pay-TV broadcasters and subscription services is alienating a significant portion of the public from sporting events and encouraging piracy. They believe that reserving a specific slot for a free weekly match would boost the visibility of the French top flight. The proposal draws on findings from a 2021 parliamentary information mission on audiovisual broadcasting rights for sports events, led by Cédric Roussel.

Sports economist Pierre Rondeau also argues that a free-to-air broadcast could attract a larger audience. He notes that the Professional Football League (LFP) estimated 22 million French citizens are interested in Ligue 1, compared to only about one million subscribers to Ligue1+.

LFP opposes the change

The LFP, however, is firmly against the amendment. The league argues that free-to-air broadcasting could diminish the value of audiovisual rights, which account for more than half of club revenues. Discussions between the LFP, broadcasters, and parliamentarians have intensified ahead of the text’s examination.

Broader reform of professional football

The bill has already been adopted by the Senate and then in committee at the National Assembly. It may still evolve after debate in the chamber, before a joint committee meeting scheduled for July 21. The text also addresses anti-piracy measures, strengthening the role of federations and the Ministry of Sports in the governance of professional leagues, redistribution of audiovisual revenues, and capping executive compensation.