As Ligue 1+ concludes its inaugural season, Canal+ President Maxime Saada has delivered a stark assessment of the French league's dedicated channel. In an interview with L'Équipe, Saada characterized the venture as a successful launch from an editorial standpoint but a significant economic disappointment.
The core of Saada's critique centers on the financial model. He highlighted that approximately €120 million in domestic broadcast rights are set to be redistributed to the clubs, a figure he views as unsustainable. "I therefore do not understand the interest for club presidents to do without Canal+," Saada stated, questioning the strategic decision by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to pursue this independent path.
Despite the criticism, Saada signaled Canal+ remains open to a partnership. He proposed a new distribution model for Ligue 1+ through Canal+ that would operate without a guaranteed minimum payment to the LFP. Instead, he suggested a "classic revenue-sharing" arrangement, which would align the channel's financial success directly with its subscriber performance.
To illustrate the current market valuation, Saada provided concrete numbers. He estimated that with roughly one million subscribers paying between €10 and €12 per month, and after accounting for all commissions and taxes, Ligue 1+ generates just over €100 million annually. "Today, the value that LFP Media has given it with Ligue 1+ is this one," he remarked, framing this as the benchmark for the league's domestic rights.
Looking ahead, Saada predicted a challenging summer for the fledgling channel. He anticipates Ligue 1+ will "certainly lose subscribers" during the off-season break in the football calendar. To regain strong growth momentum when the new championship season begins, he argued the channel will need every possible advantage.
It is precisely during this vulnerable period, according to Saada, that Canal+ could prove its worth. "It is in these moments that Canal can be a useful, even precious, partner," he concluded, positioning his network as a stabilizing force for the league's broadcast ambitions.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.