DAZN in crisis: Vincent Labrune points to a failed start and massive hacking which is weighing down the hopes of Ligue 1 in France.
The broadcaster DAZN has struggled to attract the French public since its arrival in August. According to some estimates, the broadcaster has not exceeded the 500,000 subscriber mark. A situation that Vincent Labrune, president of the Professional Football League (LFP), addresses directly in an interview with Le Parisien. “Out of three people who watch Ligue 1, only one currently pays. It’s extremely serious,” alerts Labrune, pointing out the colossal impact of piracy on French football revenues.
DAZN and piracy: an explosive duo
For Labrune, DAZN’s difficult start in France can be explained by two main factors: poorly calibrated initial pricing and constantly increasing piracy. “It’s the most pirated product in France,” he laments, while recognizing that the broadcaster is in a learning phase on the French market. This combination could further dampen the attractiveness of a championship which, according to Labrune himself, does not compete with leagues like the Bundesliga or the Premier League.
Faced with this reality, Labrune calls for “radical” measures to fight against piracy, stressing that the financial future of Ligue 1 also relies on solid subscriptions.
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AFP
Towards an international strategy for Ligue 1
In a complicated national context, the president of the LFP now seems to be banking on the international aspect to restore color to Ligue 1. Television rights abroad, which have doubled in value (from 70 to 140 million euros) , constitute a rare clearing. “All our revenue centers are experiencing strong growth, except domestic TV rights”confides Labrune, determined to maximize the exposure of Ligue 1 outside French borders.
This international strategy is essential while Labrune admits that Ligue 1 has never been worth a billion euros, contrary to initial expectations. “We cannot compare Germany, England or Spain to France. » An inevitability that Labrune seems to want to transform into an opportunity, on condition of convincing foreign broadcasters.
A salary under fire from critics
Finally, the interview addresses another controversy: Labrune’s salary. Increased from 420,000 to 800,000 euros per year, with an exceptional bonus of 3 million euros linked to the agreement with CVC, this remuneration makes one cringe. Labrune defends himself by insisting on the unprecedented nature of this agreement, which saved French football. “These are high amounts, but worthy of the challenges and investments. »
Between the relative failure of DAZN, the challenge of piracy and criticism of his lifestyle, Vincent Labrune finds himself at the heart of the debates. But for him, the future of French football depends above all on bold solutions and an internationally oriented vision.
