DAZN still cannot bring in enough subscribers to get a little closer to the break-even point. And the English group alerted the Professional Football League.
The actual number of DAZN subscribers to follow Ligue 1 is the best kept secret in French football, with no serious estimate having been given since the 500,000 subscribers mentioned at the start of winter. We are a long way from the 1.5 million subscribers expected by December 2025, the date on which the new Ligue 1 broadcaster will be able to terminate its contract with the LFI if this milestone is not reached. But, according to the revelations of Arthur Perrot, journalist for RMC, DAZN now wants to negotiate with Ligue 1 to lower the amount of the contract signed last summer and which allows the LFP to receive 400 million euros per season. Because the British group is clearly in deficit without having serious visibility on the future of its popularity in France, despite the launch of offers that are finally sexy on a financial level, and the notable improvement of its programs with in particular a multiplex, a magazine devoted to the L1 championship on Sunday evening and a lighter talk show on Monday.
The idea of a 100% Ligue 1 channel returning
However, on the side of Vincent Labrune and his colleagues at the LFP, it is estimated that DAZN's attitude is intended to put additional pressure during the next negotiations if the bar of 1.5 million subscribers is not reached. . However, to avoid the fiasco of last summer, the Professional Football League is working in parallel on the creation of its own platform. An idea already mentioned last year, but which was ultimately abandoned. This time, faced with the risk of the termination of the contract with DAZN next December, which will de facto lead to that with Beinsports, the LFP is working to be ready to draw out its offer to football fans. In possession of precise figures for Ligue 1 subscribers, the Professional Football League knows what to expect and whether DAZN is really in danger in France.
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