Ligue 1 2024-2025: New Broadcasting Landscape and Paris FC’s Cautious Ambitions
2025-08-26 · Ligue 1
Ligue 1 enters a new broadcasting era with DAZN and beIN Sports sharing coverage for five seasons. Meanwhile, newly promoted Paris FC, acquired by the Arnault family, remains cautious despite a substantial budget, struggling to start the season with only five new signings.
The 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season marks a significant turning point in the broadcasting of France’s top football league. After months of negotiations, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) officially announced on July 31 a five-season deal with beIN Sports and DAZN, reshaping how fans will follow their favorite teams starting August 16, with the opening match between Le Havre and PSG.
DAZN will stream eight matches per week on its English platform, offering two subscription tiers: "Super Sports" at €14.99/month (including one automatic Sunday multiplex match) and "Unlimited" at €29.99/month (full access to all DAZN-broadcast games). Meanwhile, beIN Sports retains one match per week (Saturdays at 5 PM) for €15/month, with no price changes.
The weekly Ligue 1 schedule has also evolved. The traditional Sunday 1 PM slot moves to Saturday at 7 PM, while weekends now feature a three-match multiplex at 5 PM on DAZN. The British platform has secured rights to major fixtures like PSG vs. OM, OL vs. OM, and key derbies, reinforcing its central role in league coverage.
On the pitch, the new season brings a notable development: Paris FC’s return to Ligue 1 after its acquisition by the Arnault family (Europe’s wealthiest). Despite an estimated €120M budget, the club remains cautious in squad building. After back-to-back losses to Angers (0-1) and Marseille (2-5), the newly promoted side struggles to meet high expectations.
Paris FC’s summer transfer window saw just five signings—Otavio, Simon, Sangui, Geubbels, and Trapp—for a total of €45M, far below initial projections. Club president Pierre Ferracci admitted needing "three or four more signings this week", emphasizing prudence. Midfielder Ilan Kebbal clarified the team’s goal: "Survival, not finishing 6th or 7th, as some media suggest."
The squad still relies heavily on Ligue 2 veterans and unproven youngsters, with only a few established players like captain Maxime Lopez and winger Moses Simon. Manager Stéphane Gilli warned: "Ligue 1 is no joke—mistakes get punished."
For upcoming reinforcements, Paris FC eyes Hamari Traoré (33, right-back), though his age sparks internal debate. A move for Arthur (22, Brazilian) is preferred, while Pierre Lees-Melou (32, midfielder) could add experience. The goal: strengthen the squad to meet Ligue 1’s demands and secure survival more comfortably.
Between a major broadcasting overhaul and a promoted club balancing ambition with caution, Ligue 1 enters a season where on-pitch quality must match its heightened media stakes. The challenge is set for clubs, broadcasters, and players as the league kicks off amid renewal and anticipation.