Professional Football League Launches New Channel for Ligue 1
The Professional Football League (LFP) has recently unveiled a significant development for soccer fans: the launch of an official channel dedicated to the retransmission of Ligue 1. With the backing of LFP Media, this initiative aims to engage audiences and enrich the viewing experience from the next school year . This announcement comes shortly after Dazn’s planned exit following just one season, and it highlights Canal+’s refusal to re-enter negotiations, as noted by Maxime Saada.
Initially, the platform will be available at a monthly fee of €14.99 with a commitment. Additionally, a more affordable package priced at €9.99 will be accessible for users under 26, aimed at encouraging younger demographics to engage with Ligue 1. The service will also be compatible with various distributors such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free, and even game consoles and connected TVs.
In terms of editorial content, Mediawan has been selected to handle the production side of the operation. Early casting announcements reveal a lineup featuring notable personalities like Thibault Le Rol , Marina Lorenzo , Sébastien Dupuis , Smaïl Bouabdellah , and Lesly Boitrelle . Discussions are ongoing with prominent players such as Franck Ribéry , Samir Nasri , and Johan Djourou for potential consultancy roles. It is also confirmed that Xavier Domergue will host the prime Sunday evening match alongside fellow announcer Benoît Cheyrou.
A Refreshing Editorial Approach
The recent press conference at LFP headquarters provided invaluable insights into the editorial management of this new channel. The editorial director, Jérôme Cazadieu , emphasized the ambition to delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes aspects of Ligue 1. “We want to enhance the storytelling of Ligue 1,” he stated. Cazadieu highlighted that the vision extends beyond just broadcasting matches; it will include in-depth stories from all clubs, celebrating narratives from both prestigious teams and lesser-known clubs alike.
Projects already in the pipeline include an immersive series that focuses on the behind-the-scenes workings of Paris FC . Another standout project, titled “The Last Dante,” is set to chronicle the concluding season of player Dante, drawing parallels with the acclaimed series on Michael Jordan. These initiatives showcase the league’s desire to not only present games but also to provide rich, engaging content for fans.
Excitingly, the league has announced that the first match Sunday of the season, scheduled for August 17 , will be available for free. It features a pre-match magazine starting at 7:15 PM leading up to the game between Nantes and the reigning champions, PSG . Various subscription plans will cater to fans at different price points. The primary offering, referred to as the “consumer offer,” is priced at €14.99 with a commitment and permits two users. A “mobile offer” will also be available at the same price, suited for individual users on mobile devices or tablets without a commitment. The dedicated offer for fans under 26 years old will be introduced later for technical reasons, priced at €9.99 .
In terms of growth ambitions, the LFP has set clear goals, aiming for 1 million subscribers by the end of the first year. Vincent Labrune , the president of the LFP, reiterated the importance of digital growth. Being the third most followed soccer league globally on social networks—trailing behind the Premier League and La Liga—Ligue 1 aims to capitalize on this digital momentum. Many of the platform’s offerings will also be accessible through the Ligue 1’s official digital channels, ensuring that fans remain connected and engaged with their favorite teams.
In conclusion, the launch of the LFP’s new channel is a significant step toward modernizing the way fans experience Ligue 1. With a focus on engaging storytelling, affordable options, and a strong digital presence, the initiative aims to captivate both existing fans and new audiences alike, paving the way for a vibrant future for French football.