France’s Professional Football League (LFP) will distribute €142 million (US$166.6 million) in revenue generated by its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Ligue 1+, according to L’Équipe. The figure marks a major increase from earlier projections and reflects the rapid subscriber growth of the new platform.
Ligue 1+ is expected to generate €158 million (US$185.4 million) in total turnover this season, with around €16 million (US$18.8 million) allocated to distributors as commission fees. Based on current forecasts, the league champions could earn €30.1 million (US$35.3 million) from the payout, while the team finishing last is projected to receive €3.72 million (US$4.37 million).
The revised figures come after the LFP initially estimated in August that its clubs would share no more than €80.4 million (US$94.4 million). Following the platform’s rapid success — surpassing one million subscribers in its first month — the league has significantly increased its outlook.
In addition to direct subscriptions, the LFP has boosted revenues through distribution agreements with several major French pay-TV and streaming providers, including DAZN, Orange, Free, and Amazon Prime Video.
However, despite this progress, the LFP’s overall media revenue still lags far behind other top European leagues. Ligue 1+ was launched after the LFP failed to secure a traditional broadcast deal, forcing French clubs to depend on direct-to-consumer subscriber income instead of guaranteed TV contracts.
Some clubs have expressed concern over the impact of this shift. Angers SCO recently described French football as being in an “unprecedented economic crisis.”
“While Angers SCO should have received €19 million (US$22.3 million) in broadcasting rights in 2024–2025, the club received only €7 million (US$8.22 million),” the club said. “This season, TV revenue will amount to only €3 million (US$3.52 million). These discrepancies represent a cumulative shortfall of nearly €30 million (US$35.2 million) over two fiscal years, which can only be offset through player sales in order to maintain budgetary and financial balance.”
Setting up Ligue 1+ reportedly cost €66 million (US$77.5 million). The platform currently offers subscribers eight live games per week, the relegation playoffs, the Trophée des Champions, two magazine shows, and a growing library of behind-the-scenes docuseries and non-live content.
The LFP hopes the service will stabilise club revenues and reshape the league’s media future, even as questions remain about the long-term sustainability of its streaming-first model.
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