Ligue 1+ Secures Broadcast Rights for Newly Created French Ligue 3
The French Football Federation (FFF) has awarded the domestic broadcast rights for the new professional third division, Ligue 3, to the Ligue 1+ platform, according to a report from L'Équipe. The new league, which will replace the current Championnat National, will begin play next season.
The contract, details of which are still being finalized, is expected to run until at least 2029, according to the report. The FFF has allocated 11 million euros to launch the new professional third tier, marking a significant investment in the competition's inaugural season. To avoid direct clashes with the top flight, Ligue 3 matches are scheduled to be played on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, filling the gaps in the Ligue 1 calendar.
In related broadcast news, negotiations for the Coupe de France rights remain at an impasse. L'Équipe reports that while public broadcaster France Télévisions has offered only half the value of its expiring contract, beIN Sports has increased its offer for the domestic cup competition. The FFF is currently evaluating these proposals.
The creation of Ligue 3 represents a significant professionalization of France's third tier, with the FFF aiming to elevate its status and commercial appeal. Securing a dedicated broadcast deal with Ligue 1+ is seen as a crucial step in establishing the league's profile and generating revenue from its inaugural season. The move to a midweek and Saturday slot is a strategic effort to maximize viewership without competing for attention with Ligue 1's marquee weekend fixtures.
Meanwhile, the ongoing rights discussions for the Coupe de France highlight the changing broadcast landscape in French football. With free-to-air broadcaster France Télévisions offering significantly less than its previous deal, the FFF is weighing the value of broad, free-to-air exposure against the higher financial offer from the pay-TV platform. The federation's decisions on both Ligue 3 and the Coupe de France will shape the visibility and financial health of domestic cup and lower-league football in France for years to come.
