This is a very worrying subject for the future of Ligue 1 and therefore French football. As L'Equipe explains in today's edition, the situation of DAZN, the new major broadcaster of Ligue 1 since the start of the season, is delicate. Under a clause in the 2024-2029 broadcast contract, the platform and the League can break the agreement from 2025 if DAZN does not reach 1.5 million subscribers by December 1, 2025. However, with only 500,000 subscribers to date, this goal seems out of reach.
A million in one year, mission impossible?
DAZN officially remains confident, saying it is not obliged to activate this clause, but the LFP could do so unilaterally/ Internally, DAZN continues to invest by recruiting staff, but raises doubts among clubs. Jean-Pierre Rivère (OGC Nice) recently regretted the absence of a single offer for broadcasting rights, while Philippe Diallo (FFF) highlights the difficult conditions in which DAZN started. An LFP strategic committee, bringing together several clubs, is already preparing a plan B in the event of a breakup.
DAZN, for its part, is trying to attract subscribers through promotions, but its fluctuating prices irritate the first customers. Furthermore, piracy remains a major problem: 37% of spectators watch L1 illegally, a figure aggravated by the OM-PSG of October 27 (55% pirate audience). Finally, DAZN's editorial coverage is criticized for its intrusive advertising and its lack of investment during certain matches, which could slow down its expansion in a complex market where fan expectations remain high.
Featured Podcasts
MEN LIFE
To summarize
Since its sensational arrival to pocket a large part of Ligue 1 TV rights, the DAZN project has turned into a fiasco. With a goal that seems impossible to achieve. In fact, she must gain a million subscribers in one year.
France
TV
