BeIN Sports to Renew Coupe de France Broadcasting Rights with Increased Investment

BeIN Sports is set to renew its broadcasting contract for the Coupe de France for an extended period of four to five years, according to multiple sources including Le Figaro and L'Equipe, with an official announcement anticipated before the start of the tournament's 32nd finals. The new agreement significantly ups the financial ante from the previous contract, nearly doubling the annual investment to approximately €4 million, reflecting strong satisfaction with the competition's viewership. Notably, a match between PSG and Revel last season drew close to one million viewers, which has encouraged BeIN Sports to deepen its commitment.

The contract renewal grants BeIN Sports exclusive rights to the competition beginning from the round of 32 onwards, captured under Lot B, which includes all matches from this stage and a simultaneous broadcast of one match with France Télévisions. This is a continuation of its previous arrangement that ensures comprehensive coverage of the tournament. Meanwhile, Lot A, covering 10 select matches including a premier fixture up to the final, remains with France Télévisions, which currently pays €8 million annually. However, France Télévisions has submitted a lower bid for Lot A amid ongoing budgetary challenges, and its offer has yet to be approved.

Negotiations between the French Football Federation (FFF), which manages the rights, and France Télévisions are ongoing. Although the FFF declined to comment, it is clear the federation aims to balance pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasts, especially since the Coupe de France final is legally mandated to be broadcast on a free-to-air channel. This arrangement contrasts with the situation for Ligue 1, where starting next season, BeIN Sports will cease broadcasting one match per league round, as Ligue 1 broadcasting rights transition exclusively to the LFP's Ligue 1+ platform.

Amidst these developments, Canal+ has withdrawn from French football broadcasting to focus on European contests, while Ligue 1+ intends to expand its subscriber base significantly. Against this backdrop, BeIN Sports’ renewed commitment to the Coupe de France highlights its strategic focus on marquee domestic cup events where it sees strong viewer engagement and value.