LFP Launches New Football Channel Ligue 1+ (2025 Update): Key Features, Programming, Frequencies, and What Subscribers Need to Know
France’s Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has launched Ligue 1+, a dedicated football channel making its debut in August 2025. This release shakes up both the satellite TV and sports broadcasting markets, bringing Ligue 1 matches straight to subscribers with new features and flexible access. Ligue 1+ is now the go-to platform for watching eight out of every nine Ligue 1 games live each match week, putting control back into the hands of viewers and clubs alike.
The LFP new football channel presents more than just live matches. Subscribers get additional content like pre-match and post-match analysis, exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, and magazine shows highlighting teams such as Paris FC and OGC Nice. Accessible through apps, websites, and major pay-TV operators, this channel makes viewing simpler and broader. This direct-to-consumer move gives fans new ways to connect while also tackling challenges like piracy and fragmented coverage.
For those following LFP channel news, Ligue 1+ is more than a programming upgrade. It’s a fresh approach to sports broadcasting with a focus on affordability, exclusive content, and a better user experience. Whether you stream on mobile or tune in via satellite, this platform sets a new standard for football fans across France.
Background: Why LFP Launched Its Own Football Channel
Photo by Aslam Jawaid
The launch of Ligue 1+ by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) marks a turning point for French football broadcasting. Instead of relying on major television networks, the LFP now controls how fans access top-flight football. Understanding what drove this shift helps explain the platform’s features and its broader impact on sports media.
Struggles with Traditional Broadcast Rights
For years, the LFP depended on third-party broadcasters, signing multi-year agreements to air Ligue 1 matches. These arrangements, however, became unstable. After previous partners like DAZN and Canal+ either struggled to grow their subscriber base or dropped Ligue 1+ due to rivalry over rights, the LFP found itself at a crossroads. DAZN, for instance, missed its 1.5 million subscriber goal in France, facing tough competition and ongoing challenges with piracy. LFP unveils its own channel for Ligue 1 – Yahoo Sports
A Direct-to-Consumer Strategy Takes Shape
Confronted by failed deals, rights disputes, and a changing market, the LFP launched its own football platform, following a growing trend in sports. This switch to a direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach meant launching Ligue 1+ on streaming apps and major telecom partners—giving LFP more control over pricing, distribution, and content. The platform now streams eight out of every nine Ligue 1 matches exclusively each weekend, with flexible subscription plans. LFP launches own channel, with other European football leagues watching with interest
Combatting Piracy and Expanding Access
Piracy has long plagued football broadcasting, especially after DAZN’s French service failed to meet expectations, partly due to illegal streams. LFP’s new football channel aims to limit piracy with an affordable, user-friendly price point (starting at €14.99 per month, with a €9.99 introductory deal). The service also broadens access, working with French telecoms and streaming giants like Amazon Prime Video and DAZN to reach new audiences.
Elevating Fan Engagement
By launching its own platform, LFP isn’t just changing how matches are shown—it’s also upgrading what subscribers get. Ligue 1+ delivers more than match coverage. Viewers receive:
- Exclusive locker room and referee camera feeds
- Pre- and post-match analysis
- Behind-the-scenes features
- Team-focused magazine shows
- Flexible streaming on mobile, desktop, and TV apps
This approach puts the fans first and gives clubs new ways to connect with supporters, creating a closer link between the league and its audience. Ligue 1’s Opening Weekend Shows Promising Signs for D2C Strategy
Setting a New Model for Sports Broadcasting
The LFP new football channel is gaining global attention for its bold move. Surpassing 600,000 subscribers in its first weekend, Ligue 1+ is already outpacing previous models. The platform could shape how other leagues approach media rights, streaming, and digital engagement, putting control back into the hands of sports organizations rather than TV networks.
Features and Programming of Ligue 1+
Ligue 1+ is more than just a way to stream football games. It’s the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) new football channel focused on direct-to-consumer access, flexible plans, and innovative digital programming. The service aims to put affordable, exclusive content directly in the hands of fans, making it easy to follow every major story and match across the French top flight.
Subscription Models and Accessibility
Ligue 1+ introduces a set of flexible subscription models designed around how real fans want to watch football. The standard plan starts at €14.99 per month for full access, which is about half the price DAZN previously charged in France. For the commitment-free crowd, there’s a €19.99 monthly option, while those under 26 can get a youth pass for just €9.99 per month. These tailored offerings make following Ligue 1 more affordable than ever for every type of viewer, from die-hard fans to students on a budget.
To give you a quick breakdown:
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Annual | €14.99 | Best value, up to 2 screens, annual contract |
| Standard Monthly | €19.99 | Cancel anytime, up to 2 screens |
| Youth (Under 26) | €9.99 | Special discount, annual subscription |
| Spliiit Co-Sub | ~€8.87/user | Legally share access with others |
On the accessibility front, Ligue 1+ is meant to be everywhere fans are. You can stream matches and exclusive features through the official website, dedicated mobile apps, smart TVs, and major OTT providers. The LFP formed key partnerships with top telecom players like Orange, Bouygues, Free, and SFR, as well as leading streaming platforms like Prime Video and Molotov. This distribution strategy hyper-charges reach, ensuring it’s simple for fans to tune in, no matter their device or provider.
Initial numbers show real excitement: Ligue 1+ surpassed 600,000 subscribers on its opening weekend, far outpacing older platforms. The flexible and affordable subscription model is a big factor in this early growth.
Anti-Piracy and Digital Innovations
The LFP isn’t just offering new features; it’s working smarter to tackle old challenges like piracy, which has long hurt football broadcasters in France. Ligue 1+ comes with built-in anti-piracy solutions, making it harder for illegal streams to spread. Affordable pricing—half of what DAZN charged—also removes much of the temptation to seek pirated content, while simple, user-friendly access cuts down on technical headaches that drive users to unofficial sites.
On the digital side, Ligue 1+ is truly future-first. The channel brings interactive live feeds, inside-the-locker room views, and ref-cam perspectives usually reserved for production teams, right to regular fans. Exclusive magazine shows, quick match replays, and documentaries add more ways to engage beyond the 90 minutes.
Being digital-first helps Ligue 1+ connect with younger fans who live on their phones and tablets. Youth pricing draws in the next generation, while co-subscription models (like via Spliiit) let groups or families share access. The channel’s content is available almost everywhere, from traditional telecoms to major OTT partners, keeping up with modern viewing habits.
The launch of this direct-to-consumer platform signals a major shift in how sports leagues deliver content, giving the LFP more control, better subscriber data, and a strong chance to shape how fans experience football moving forward. Reports confirm that the price drop and tech innovations have been central to Ligue 1+ passing 600k subscribers on opening weekend.
By blending flexible access with robust anti-piracy tools and mobile-first design, the LFP new football channel sets a new standard for how football can reach both new and loyal fans across France.
Industry Impact: A Shift in European Football Broadcasting
The launch of the LFP new football channel, Ligue 1+, marks a bold move in European football broadcasting. By taking control of its own streaming and TV rights, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) is changing expectations not only for French fans but also for how leagues across Europe approach media rights, access, and fan engagement. This section examines how this shift influences the industry and what it signals for the future of football viewing.
Photo by Bruno Joseph
Turning the Page on Traditional Broadcast Rights
LFP launches football channel with the goal of controlling the distribution of Ligue 1 matches, instead of depending on unpredictable deals with networks like DAZN and Canal+. Major broadcasters have struggled to offer fans consistent value, leading to confusion over where to watch matches week to week. By shifting to its own direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, the LFP channel debut brings much-needed transparency to French football—fans know exactly where and how to watch, and the league keeps more control over its product.
This move follows a growing pattern in sports, with football leagues across Europe and beyond closely watching the success of LFP’s own football platform. As covered in industry news, the creation of LFP’s channel is being followed with interest by other European football leagues that are weighing similar steps.
Leveling the Playing Field: Revenue, Reach, and Control
The LFP TV launch means revenue from subscriptions now flows directly to the league and its clubs, rather than going through layers of media partners. This direct approach is becoming more appealing as traditional TV rights deals shrink in value year after year. By setting its own prices and offering competitive promos, the LFP keeps football affordable and accessible, cutting out both the middleman and much of the motivation for illegal streams.
The channel’s multichannel distribution approach, with availability through local telecoms and big platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ensures that LFP channel news spreads fast and brings in new viewers who might have missed out before. It’s estimated that Ligue 1+ gathered more than 600,000 subscribers within days of launch—an early sign that the new model delivers value on both sides. Recent coverage shows this subscriber base already outpacing previous DAZN figures for the entire preceding season.
Setting the Pace for Anti-Piracy and Fan Experience
Piracy has long drained value from sports leagues, especially when access is high-priced or fragmented. The LFP new football channel answers this by not just reducing prices but also improving streaming tech and adding meaningful extras. Enhanced camera angles, exclusive team features, and flexible viewing make legal access the easy choice. This new standard is forcing competitors and other leagues to reassess their own models—and it’s making life harder for pirate streamers.
By providing more creative and accessible content, the Ligue de Football Professionnel TV channel offers a distinctive viewing experience. Clubs and supporters now share a closer connection, with content designed for mobile, desktop, and big screens alike. This improved user experience is prompting rival leagues and broadcasters to rethink their own offerings.
A Ripple Effect Across European Football
Broadly, the LFP channel debut is creating a blueprint for modern sports leagues hoping to keep fans engaged and revenue secure. The strategic switch to an in-house, flexible, and affordable platform reflects a shift toward digital-first, fan-focused services. Feedback from other football associations and recent industry analysis highlight that European sports leagues are paying close attention to LFP’s bold move (read more on its industry impact here).
The result? European football is on the verge of a new era in broadcasting—one defined by accessibility, club and league control, and a stronger fight against piracy. The LFP launch shows that turning the dial back into the hands of the sport’s actual organizers could be the winning strategy both on and off the pitch.
Subscriber Growth and Market Challenges
Launching the LFP new football channel, Ligue 1+, brought both excitement and major questions about how quickly it would gain subscribers and what hurdles the market might create. Early indicators show strong demand, but the journey to retaining and expanding the audience is far from straightforward. Let’s break down the key factors driving subscriber growth and the main challenges the platform faces in this evolving landscape.
Fast Start: Surge in Subscriptions
Ligue 1+ opened with momentum. During its launch weekend, numbers soared past 600,000 subscribers, outpacing the previous benchmarks set by other sports platforms in France. This initial spike was powered by:
- Affordable introductory pricing, making legal access attractive.
- Broad distribution across streaming apps, pay-TV, and telecom partners.
- Exclusive coverage of eight out of every nine Ligue 1 matches.
- Targeted youth pricing and flexible plans.
Early feedback underlines that lowering the cost barrier and streamlining how fans watch football is a winning approach. Subscribers now find it easy to tune in across all major devices and services, a major shift from the confusion and fragmented choices fans once faced. For a look at how other leagues are reacting to this subscriber surge, review this analysis on competitor interest.
Key Drivers for Subscriber Growth
Several trends helped Ligue 1+ stand out in a market crowded with options. Here are the most impactful:
- Direct-to-consumer model: Bypassing third-party broadcasters allows personalized offers and direct communication with fans.
- Introductory pricing and youth discounts: Making Ligue 1 more affordable draws in price-sensitive viewers who might otherwise turn to illegal streams.
- Wider reach: The channel’s partnerships with local telecoms and global streaming platforms place the service in front of millions who may not have subscribed in the past.
- Exclusive features: Enhanced match coverage, locker room feeds, and team-specific content add unique value and keep people coming back.
Market Challenges: Retention, Piracy, and Competition
Despite a promising start, LFP TV launch faces a tough road as it works to hold and grow its user base. The market is highly competitive and fans have endless alternatives for where to watch and how to spend their money.
Ongoing challenges include:
- Piracy: Even with better pricing, illegal streams remain a threat, especially among younger, tech-savvy fans who still see pirated content as “good enough.”
- Broadcast rights fragmentation: With the ninth Ligue 1 match still exclusive to beIN Sports, true one-stop access remains out of reach for hardcore fans. This can lead to frustration and possibly churn.
- User Experience Expectations: Subscribers compare Ligue 1+ to major global platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Any glitches, buffering, or app issues risk losing users to competitors.
- Frequent Promotions and Churn: The initial boom from deals and promos may drop off unless the LFP provides ongoing reasons to renew, such as exclusive interviews, documentaries, or fan-focused events.
In a broad context, the launch signals that sports leagues can compete directly with long-established broadcasters, but they must continually prove value and keep illegal alternatives at bay. Reports highlight that platforms like Ligue 1+ will be watched closely as they navigate rapid subscriber gains alongside ongoing hurdles such as market fragmentation and piracy.
What’s Next? Meeting Subscriber Demands
To keep the momentum, the Ligue de Football Professionnel TV channel has to:
- Add even more exclusive content and club-focused coverage.
- Ensure seamless app performance and high streaming quality at peak times.
- Communicate transparently about schedule changes, broadcast partners, and new features.
As the LFP channel news continues to shape fan habits in France and beyond, its early growth story provides valuable lessons on what it takes to thrive in today’s sports media world—combining fan-friendly pricing, standout digital features, and relentless focus on user experience.
Conclusion
LFP launching its own football channel, Ligue 1+, marks a turning point for both fans and the broadcasting industry. By bringing eight Ligue 1 matches each week directly to subscribers, the LFP new football channel puts more choice and control in the hands of supporters while making legal access affordable and easy. Standout features like behind-the-scenes content, youth discounts, and flexible subscription plans set a new bar for what sports streaming should offer.
This early success pushes football broadcasting toward a future where leagues run their own platforms, shape the viewing experience, and fight piracy head-on. As more organizations consider similar moves, Ligue 1+ signals where sports media rights and fan engagement may head next. Stay updated on LFP channel news to catch every key match and enjoy the latest features. Save the frequency or follow Ligue 1+ to get the most out of your football experience.
