The long-standing war between the LFP and Canal+ shows no signs of abating, despite a recent olive branch from the broadcaster. In an interview with L'Equipe, Canal+ president Maxime Saada expressed willingness to distribute the upcoming Ligue 1+ platform starting in the 2026-2027 season. However, his proposal came with non-negotiable conditions: Canal+ would not withdraw its ongoing legal proceedings against French football nor integrate Ligue 1 into its flagship sports pack.
Saada's offer is significant because Ligue 1+ is set to become the exclusive home of all Ligue 1 matches from 2026-2027. The platform represents a major shift in how French football is distributed, moving away from traditional broadcasters to a direct-to-consumer model. Canal+ had been the historic broadcaster of Ligue 1 before losing rights in recent years.
The conditions attached to Saada's offer effectively close the door on a full reconciliation. By refusing to drop the legal claims—which amount to €660 million in compensation sought by Canal+ for alleged breaches—and insisting on distributing Ligue 1+ as a standalone service, the broadcaster is maintaining its adversarial stance.
LFP Media CEO Nicolas de Tavernost was quick to reject the offer. "We have always informed club presidents that an agreement with Canal+ would be desirable provided it is acceptable," de Tavernost said. "There are two essential conditions: first, Canal+ must withdraw its procedures. There have been eight procedures from Canal+—a genuine judicial harassment. Despite a clear ruling against them, Canal+ appealed to the Court of Cassation. If Canal+ abandons that, it would be a positive step."
The €660 million claim stems from Canal+’s attempt to recoup money after losing Ligue 1 rights in 2021. The broadcaster has fought in multiple courts, and the LFP views this as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the league. De Tavernost also refuted Saada's claim that the LFP is in proceedings with Free, another potential distributor: "We are not in proceedings with Free, contrary to what Maxime Saada indicated."
The dispute carries significant implications. The LFP’s new model relies on Ligue 1+ to generate revenue and control distribution. A deal with Canal+ could have brought much-needed financial stability and wider reach. However, with Canal+ unwilling to integrate L1 into its sports pack—which includes Champions League, Top 14 rugby, Formula 1, beIN Sports, and Eurosport—the offer lacks the commercial integration that the LFP desires.
For clubs, the deadlock means continued uncertainty around broadcast revenues. Smaller clubs, in particular, rely on central distribution deals to stay afloat. Without a comprehensive agreement with a major player like Canal+, the LFP may need to rely on its own platform, which could limit reach and advertising income.
The broader context is a fragmented French media landscape. Canal+ has been diversifying its sports offerings, and Ligue 1 is no longer its crown jewel. The broadcaster’s legal actions have poisoned negotiations, making compromise difficult. De Tavernost's firm stance suggests the LFP is prepared to go it alone if necessary, betting that Ligue 1+ can attract a significant subscriber base without traditional broadcasters.
Saada's remarks were seen as an attempt to reopen dialogue, but they fell short of meeting the LFP's core demands. The €660 million legal cloud hangs over any potential deal. For now, the two sides remain entrenched, with no resolution in sight as the 2026-2027 season approaches.
What does this mean for fans? They may ultimately have to subscribe to Ligue 1+ directly, bypassing traditional cable packages. That could mean higher costs for some but more control for the league. The failure to reach a distribution agreement with Canal+ also leaves the door open for other players like DAZN or Amazon, though no concrete offers are on the table.
In summary, Saada's offer to distribute Ligue 1+ is less a peace offering and more a continuation of the war by other means. By keeping legal claims and refusing commercial integration, Canal+ is testing the LFP's resolve. The league has pushed back, making clear that any deal must include dropping all procedures. The stalemate underscores the deep mistrust between the former partners.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
