A Savior for French Football: Canal+

French football is going through a difficult period, marked by successive disappointments in the allocation of audiovisual rights. From unfulfilled promises to economic realities, club presidents are forced to “tighten their belts” while awaiting the hypothetical arrival of a “generous benefactor.” After the setbacks with Mediapro, the attempts by DAZN, and the brief involvement of Amazon, the Professional Football League (LFP) seems to have lost sight of its main historical partner: Canal+. Yet, this channel is the only one capable of offering stable and long-term support.

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The Experience and History of Canal+ in Sports Partnerships

A Historic Football Player

Canal+ is the historic broadcaster of Ligue 1 in France. For several decades, the channel has not only contributed to the evolution of French football but has also enabled the sport to benefit from unparalleled media exposure. By forging strong ties with its subscribers, Canal+ has created a unique connection between football and its audience.

A Long-Lasting Partnership with Rugby

The example of rugby illustrates Canal+’s ability to form long-term partnerships. The broadcast of the Top 14 has helped increase the popularity of this sport in France. This success is based on a long-term strategy, consistent financial support, and a comprehensive editorial offering. This stable and fruitful relationship proves that Canal+ knows how to build strong alliances over time.

Exclusive Content Creation

Canal+ does not limit itself to simply broadcasting matches. The channel also produces high-quality shows like Canal Football Club, as well as exclusive reports and documentaries. This editorial approach enriches the subscriber experience and strengthens their loyalty.

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Canal+: A Proven and Reliable Model for French Football

Financial Reliability

Unlike other broadcasters that have encountered difficulties, Canal+ has always honored its financial commitments. This reliability is crucial for the Football League, which can no longer afford to entrust its rights to unreliable actors, following the resounding failure of Mediapro. Canal+ guarantees regular payments and essential financial stability for the clubs and the League.

Adaptability to New Trends

Canal+ has adapted to technological advancements and new consumption habits with its MyCanal platform. It offers multi-platform broadcasting (streaming, replay, etc.), thus meeting consumer expectations while maintaining an enriched user experience.

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The Mediapro Fiasco: A Lesson for the League

A Failure with Serious Consequences

The Mediapro episode demonstrated the dangers of making agreements with actors who do not understand the local market or who lack the necessary resources. Mediapro had promised record rights for Ligue 1 but failed to meet its commitments, plunging the clubs into a financial crisis. This precedent has shown that the League must rely on strong and well-established partners.

Lack of Long-Term Strategy

Mediapro lacked a clear vision for the French market. Its inability to effectively promote and broadcast Ligue 1 showed that the arrival of non-specialized actors can pose a major risk to professional football.

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Amazon: An Opportunistic Player

Limited Commitment

Amazon Prime Video entered the market for broadcasting Ligue 1, but its involvement has remained opportunistic. Unlike Canal+, Amazon does not see sports as a core strategic focus but as a way to attract subscribers to its global service, Amazon Prime.

Lack of Editorial Offering

Amazon has not developed an editorial offering around football. In contrast, Canal+ provides analyses, exclusive interviews, and specialized shows that create a true connection with fans and enhance more than just the simple broadcasting of matches.

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DAZN: Multiple Risks

Difficult Market Entry in France

DAZN, a sports streaming platform, has struggled to establish itself in France. Unlike Canal+, DAZN lacks the local experience necessary to meet the expectations of French fans. By focusing solely on OTT (streaming) broadcasting, DAZN also limits its reach, whereas a significant portion of supporters remain attached to traditional television.

Piracy Risks

The often-high subscription prices proposed by DAZN lead many consumers to resort to piracy. In the face of the proliferation of paid streaming services, this phenomenon represents a threat to broadcasters and leagues, exacerbated by offers deemed uncompetitive.

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BeIN Sports: A Strategic Reorientation

A Withdrawn Player

BeIN Sports has played a major role in the broadcast of football in France, driven by Qatar’s massive investments. However, after hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar seems to be reorienting its priorities and reducing its investments in sports rights. Therefore, BeIN is no longer a strong candidate for Ligue 1.

External Economic Dependency

BeIN Sports’ strategy is tied to Qatar’s economic decisions, making the channel more vulnerable. Canal+, on the other hand, remains autonomous and has a clear strategy focused on national and international development.

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The Football League Elections: A Turning Point

A Decisive Strategic Choice

The upcoming Football League elections will be crucial in determining the future of broadcasting rights. Canal+ offers a stable and reliable solution, unlike less experienced players like DAZN or Amazon, whose commitments are uncertain.

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The Role of Pay TV

The failures of Mediapro and Amazon have shown that the Pay TV sector requires particular expertise. Canal+, as a historic player in this market, possesses all the skills to manage and promote Ligue 1 rights effectively in the long term.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Canal+ stands out as the ideal partner for the Professional Football League. Its experience, financial stability, and long-term commitment provide guarantees that neither Mediapro, Amazon, nor DAZN have been able or can provide. As for BeIN Sports, its gradual withdrawal from major competitions shows that its model is no longer suitable for Ligue 1. For French football to regain sustainable stability, it is imperative to rely on a reliable and ambitious partner like Canal+. The upcoming League elections will mark a decisive turning point in the future of audiovisual rights for football in France, and the presidents will have to decide their future: dreams and lies, or pragmatism.

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Like our digital economy, it is high time that French football regains its national sovereignty by aligning itself with an ambitious group that expands beyond our borders.

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Bernard CHAUSSEGROS