Ligue 1+: All matches to be broadcast exclusively from the 2026-2027 season despite AFCON 2025

2025-12-17 · Ligue 1

From the 2026-2027 season, Ligue 1+ will become the exclusive channel broadcasting all nine matches of each French league fixture, following a unanimous decision by club presidents. This reorganization comes as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will affect 50 Ligue 1 players, impacting several clubs in terms of squad depth during the winter break.

The presidents of Ligue 1 clubs met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and unanimously decided to bring the ninth match—currently broadcast on beIN Sports—back to the league’s official channel, Ligue 1+. Starting from the 2026-2027 season, this platform will thus offer all nine matches of each French league fixture, compared to just eight this season. This decision aims to simplify access to French football by consolidating broadcasts on a single platform, greatly benefiting consumers.

Nicolas de Tavernost, CEO of LFP Media (the league’s commercial subsidiary), highlighted this new structure: « Until now, football fans have always complained about needing multiple subscriptions. Now, things will be clear: French football will be on Ligue 1+, and European football will be on Canal+. » He added that « exclusivity benefits the consumer » and emphasized the strategic autonomy gained by Ligue 1+: « Securing all rights opens up strategic opportunities » and facilitates scheduling and broadcast choices without external constraints.

The return of the ninth match will also allow for an adjustment in subscription pricing, expected to rise to €19.99 per month, with discounts planned to protect current subscribers. Despite stagnant subscriber numbers (1.1 million today), LFP Media aims to reach 1.35 million subscribers next season and 1.75 million by the end of the 2028-2029 cycle. This centralization is seen as a major simplification, clearly positioning Ligue 1+ as the national league’s dedicated channel, while Canal+ focuses on European competitions.

This shift comes during a challenging period due to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. The tournament will involve 50 players from 18 Ligue 1 clubs, the highest representation among European leagues, surpassing the Premier League (32 players).

The most affected clubs in terms of numbers will be Paris FC and FC Lorient, each losing five players. Paris FC will have to do without key players like Moses Simon, Jean-Philippe Krasso, and Ilan Kebbal, while Lorient will miss Montassar Talbi, Arsène Kouassi, and Arthur Avom—all crucial to their respective teams.

Qualitatively, top-tier clubs will also face significant absences. Olympique Lyonnais will be without central defenders Moussa Niakhaté and Clinton Mata, while Marseille will miss Nayef Aguerd and, most critically, striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Paris Saint-Germain will be deprived of Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Mbaye. Meanwhile, LOSC and AS Monaco will also face multiple departures, particularly in defense. These absences could disrupt club momentum in January, affecting both Ligue 1 and Coupe de France matches during this period.

The most impacted matchdays will be Round 17 (January 2-4, 2026) and Round 18 (January 16-18, 2026), with fixtures overlapping with the AFCON knockout stages. Clubs will need to plan targeted recruitment or adjust rotations to compensate for these temporary losses.

In summary, this new broadcasting structure brings welcome clarity for French football fans by centralizing all matches on Ligue 1+, despite the sporting challenges of a league missing key players during AFCON 2025. Nicolas de Tavernost describes it as a « simplification » benefiting both clubs and supporters, while illustrating a long-term strategy to enhance the national league’s value.