BeIN Sports Accuses DAZN and LFP of Favoritism Amid TV Rights Controversy in France

BeIN Sports has strongly denounced what it perceives as preferential treatment given to DAZN in the French sports broadcasting market. Despite losing rights to major competitions such as Serie A, La Liga, and Ligue 1, BeIN Sports emphasizes its continued commitment to the industry, retaining significant rights including Ligue 2, which brings 40 million euros annually, and the Coupe de France, valued at 9 million euros. According to BeIN Sports, which has been profitable since its establishment in 2012 and recently experienced its best audience in eight years, it faces an uneven playing field orchestrated by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and its commercial arm, LFP Média.

The dispute centers on a contract worth 400 million euros per season, which DAZN was allowed to terminate after just one year. BeIN Sports claims this deal allowed DAZN to consolidate its television rights portfolio, including acquiring Serie A and La Liga rights, an outcome they criticize as detrimental to competition. Reported by Le Petit Lillois and L'Équipe, BeIN Sports asserts that some parties appear intent on its disappearance, a scenario it pledges to resist.

This ongoing conflict highlights tensions within the French broadcasting rights landscape, with accusations of nepotism and contract irregularities undermining trust between broadcasters and the football league's governing body. BeIN Sports remains a vital player with lucrative rights and committed viewership, promising to maintain its presence despite challenges from DAZN and LFP's decisions.