DAZN to exit Ligue 1 broadcasting deal at end of season | OneFootball

DAZN are set to exit their Ligue 1 broadcasting deal at the end of the season following irreconcilable differences with the LFP, L’Équipe understands.

Ligue 1’s main domestic broadcaster is set to step away at the end of the current campaign, only a year into its five-year contract. DAZN became frustrated with the handling of their broadcasting deal and is in the process of suing the league for €573 million in damages.

During a meeting of Ligue 1 presidents in mid-April, a decision was made to break the current contract with DAZN after the season finishes, but a demand was placed on the British broadcaster that they pay €110-125 million in compensation.

L’Équipe writes that DAZN rejected this amount, but would be willing to pay a reduced fee of €100 million in order to step away from their current deal.

What’s next for Ligue 1?

What comes after the end of the season is still unclear, but the French outlet explains that the league could look to produce its own channel. However, they would need beIN Sports to cede the game it broadcasts a week. beIN could be willing to accept this if LFP Media were to give them control of the design and technical implementation of the new channel. Before that can be explored fully, the league must finalise an exit agreement with DAZN.

GFFN | Nick Hartland