A five-year domestic deal ended after one season, and the league went direct to consumers.
What happened
DAZN's five-year deal for French domestic rights, agreed in August 2024, ended after a single season. Payments were disputed, mediation failed and the league's board of club presidents voted to end the contract. Reports differ on the settlement, with several citing about €100m.
How it was structured
The league then launched its own streaming service, Ligue 1+, for 2025/26, with DAZN returning as a distribution partner rather than as the rights buyer.
Our review
The headline value of a rights contract is not cash in the bank. Anyone lending against broadcast income needs to look at the strength of the broadcaster, its termination rights, and exactly how the money reaches the club.
Sources
Not RMF transactions, just general football and sports transactions. Figures are as publicly reported, and reports sometimes differ. General market commentary, not investment, legal or financial advice.