The French professional football industry, which generates around 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, is facing a serious threat due to the significant reduction in revenues from television rights. According to a barometer drawn up by Foot Unis, this situation could put thousands of local jobs at risk and affect the funding of amateur sports.
According to the French professional football clubs’ union, audiovisual revenues will fall by around 25% per year between 2024 and 2029, forcing clubs to reduce operating expenses. Given that television rights account for more than a third of most clubs’ revenues, and up to half in some cases, the situation is even more critical.
After promising to achieve revenues of €1 billion per season, the Ligue Professionnel de Football has had to revise its expectations. The failure to win the auction for television rights resulted in Ligue 1 matches being sold for around €500 million per year to the platforms DAZN and beIN Sports. This represents a significant reduction compared to the €624 million in the previous contract.
In addition, consumer dissatisfaction with the initial price of €30 per month offered by the DAZN platform also contributed to the instability. Even after adjustments to the price, the sector, which generates €5.3 billion in added value, faces an uncertain future.