The French lower house considers free Ligue 1 broadcasts
The possibility of watching a Ligue 1 football match every week on free-to-air television has moved a step closer. After several delays, the National Assembly is now reviewing a bill that could reshape the future of French professional football. Among the proposed changes, one amendment stands out: the mandatory free broadcast of a weekly Ligue 1 fixture.
Lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the growing number of paid streaming platforms and exclusive deals is pricing out fans. « The explosion in subscription fees for sports content is pushing spectators away from stadiums and encouraging piracy », they explain in their proposal.
Strong pushback from football authorities
Despite its appeal to supporters, the initiative faces fierce resistance from football governing bodies and club leaders. In a joint statement, they warn that free broadcasting would « inevitably slash the commercial value of broadcasting rights at a time when French sport must expand its revenue streams ».
Twenty-two presidents from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs echoed these concerns in a public op-ed, calling the proposal « fundamentally flawed » in its current form.
The bill is still in its early stages. Following debates in the National Assembly, it will undergo further revisions before a final vote in joint parliamentary committee on July 21. Beyond the free-to-air question, the legislation also tackles digital piracy, governance reforms within professional leagues, revenue redistribution and caps on executive salaries.
