Ligue 1+ Boosts Revenue distribution to Clubs by 77% Following Prosperous Launch
October 3, 2025 – France’s Ligue 1 is experiencing a significant financial upswing thanks to the performance of its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, Ligue 1+. The Professional football League (LFP) will now distribute a substantial €142 million (US$166.6 million) to its clubs, a dramatic increase from initial projections.this positive development signals a potential turning point for French football finances.
Ligue 1+ Exceeds Expectations
Launched amidst uncertainty after failing to secure a conventional broadcast deal, Ligue 1+ has quickly gained traction. The platform surpassed one million subscribers within its first month, exceeding even the LFP’s optimistic forecasts.This subscriber base is driving a projected turnover of €158 million (US$185.4 million) for the season.
after accounting for €16 million (US$18.8 million) in commissions paid to distribution partners, the remaining revenue will be shared amongst the clubs. Here’s a breakdown of what that means for teams:
* League Winner: Projected to receive €30.1 million (US$35.3 million).
* Bottom-Placed Team: Will earn €3.72 million (US$4.37 million).
these figures represent a significant betterment over the initial August estimate of a maximum €80.4 million (US$94.4 million) distribution.
A New Distribution Model
The LFP strategically partnered with key players in the French media landscape to broaden Ligue 1+’s reach. Distribution deals are currently in place with:
* DAZN
* Orange
* Free
* Amazon prime Video
Though, despite this positive momentum, ligue 1’s overall media revenue still lags behind other major European leagues. This situation prompted the LFP to take a bold step with the DTC model, placing greater reliance on direct subscriber income.
Addressing the Financial Crisis
The shift to a DTC model comes at a critical time for many French clubs. Angers SCO, for example, recently highlighted the severity of the financial challenges facing Ligue 1.The club reported a drastic reduction in broadcasting revenue:
* 2024-2025 Projected Revenue (pre-Ligue 1+): €19 million (US$22.3 million)
* 2024-2025 Actual Revenue: €7 million (US$8.22 million)
* Further Reduction: Expected to fall to just €3 million (US$3.52 million) this season.
this shortfall, totaling nearly €30 million (US$35.2 million) over two fiscal years,has forced clubs like Angers SCO to rely on player sales to maintain financial stability. You can see how crucial the success of Ligue 1+ is to the long-term health of the league.
Investing in the Fan Experience
The €66 million (US$77.5 million) investment in Ligue 1+ has yielded a compelling offering for fans. Subscribers gain access to:
* Eight live matches per week.
* Relegation playoffs.
* The Trophée des Champions.
* Exclusive magazine shows.
* Behind-the-scenes docuseries.
The LFP aims to attract over two million subscribers within the first four years. A potential carriage deal with Canal+, France’s leading pay-TV network, could substantially accelerate subscriber growth.
Looking ahead
The early success of Ligue 1+ demonstrates the potential of a DTC model in football. While challenges remain, the increased revenue distribution offers a much-needed boost to French clubs. For you, the fan, this means a more financially stable league and, hopefully, continued investment in the quality of play. The LFP’s innovative approach could serve as a blueprint for other leagues seeking to navigate the evolving media landscape and secure their financial future.
Disclaimer: Currency conversions are approximate as of October 3, 2025.
Related reading