DAZN could lose Ligue 1 rights much faster than expected
If you follow the latest football news and its distribution in France, you probably already know that DAZN is not celebrating. Ligue 1 football is in fact very heavily hacked by the spectators of the matches, who particularly shun the prices charged which are considered high. Another hard blow is looming for the platform: the LFP could decide to end the broadcast contract early to turn to another solution.
Figures to triple in 12 months
This contract stipulates that DAZN normally enjoys Ligue 1 broadcasting rights until 2029. However, an exit clause added at the initiative of the clubs at the end of the negotiations could change everything. This, which can be activated by both parties, stipulates that DAZN must reach 1.5 million subscribers by December 1, 2025. However, according to the Team, today only 500,000 people use the service. in a paid manner.
In such a context, LFP Media, the commercial subsidiary of the Professional Football League, has created a new strategic advisory committee to study the possibilities in the event of early termination of the contract with DAZN. This committee is made up of the presidents of Nice (Jean-Pierre Rivère), Lens (Joseph Oughourlian), OM (Pablo Longoria), Saint-Étienne (Ivan Gazidis), PSG (Nasser al-Khelaïfi) and general director of OL (Laurent Prud'homme).
What future for Ligue 1 on the small screen?
In the very likely event that DAZN is unable to recruit 1 million new customers within a year, it remains to be seen what decision this committee will make. In addition to finding a new broadcaster (which should be scrambling), there remains the possibility studied last summer before the arrival of DAZN, namely a broadcast by the LFP itself via a new channel where it would be the sole master on board in terms of prices .
In the meantime, DAZN regularly tries to tweak its formula here and there, on the ground as well as on its service, or even to offer promotions. The one for Black Friday ends this evening, Monday December 2. Will this be enough? Response in a year.
