Could a Ligue 1 match soon be available free of charge every week? After several delays, the National Assembly will finally debate a proposed law aimed at reforming French football. The bill includes an amendment, revealed earlier this year, that would mandate the free-to-air broadcast of one Ligue 1 fixture per matchday.

“This would undeniably boost visibility of national football”

Currently, fans must subscribe to the Ligue1+ platform at €15 per month to watch Ligue 1 matches. The service has around one million subscribers. Lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the proliferation of pay-TV rights and subscriptions is alienating spectators and encouraging piracy. “To ensure the widest possible access to professional competitions, each sale of television rights should include a package for one weekly free-to-air match,” they stated. “Broadcasting one Ligue 1 match per weekend on free TV would undeniably enhance the exposure of French football.” The proposal originates from a 2021 parliamentary inquiry led by deputy Cédric Roussel.

Economist Pierre Rondeau noted that the LFP previously estimated 22 million French people are interested in Ligue 1, yet only one million subscribe to Ligue1+. “There is enormous potential to capture a new audience. If people know it’s free, perhaps one, two or even four million would watch on television,” he said.

The LFP opposes the amendment, arguing that free broadcasts could devalue TV rights, which represent more than 50% of club revenues. Intense lobbying by the league and broadcasters is expected ahead of the vote.

The bill was passed by the Senate last year and amended in committee in May. After Monday’s plenary session, the text can still be modified by a joint committee on July 21. The proposal covers a wide range of issues including anti-piracy measures, stronger roles for federations and the sports ministry in governing professional leagues, regulated redistribution of audiovisual revenues, and salary caps for executives.