<p>For viewers in the United States of America, France’s Ligue 1 has returned to beIN SPORTS just in time for the start of the 2024/25 season.</p>



<p>For the past three months, fans of Ligue 1 clubs were left in the dark, not knowing who would broadcast the league. Thankfully, per <em>World Soccer Talk</em> sources, a decision was reached late on Tuesday between the French soccer governing body Ligue de Football Professionnel&nbsp;(LFP) and beIN SPORTS for the US broadcaster to continue broadcasting matches.</p>



<p>beIN SPORTS has added the full lineup of games to its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1 schedule</a> for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.</p>



<p>More details about beIN SPORTS’ agreement with LFP will be announced shortly. <em>World Soccer Talk</em> has reached out to LFP and beIN SPORTS for comment.</p>



<h2>Ligue 1 beIN SPORTS deal is done, but what about the other international markets?</h2>



<p>Coverage begins Friday with PSG’s away game at Le Havre, scheduled to start at 2:45 PM ET on beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, and streamed via <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a> and <a href="https://fanatiz.jbbfvx.net/stvs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fanatiz</a>.</p>



<p>While today’s news is welcome, LFP has other headaches to address. Namely, LFP has lost its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ligue-1-dropped-by-tnt-sports-in-uk-as-concerns-rise-among-fans/">Ligue 1 TV broadcaster in the United Kingdom</a>. There are also concerns about who will televise matches in Spain, Italy, the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 EXCL: Ligue 1 has lost its UK broadcaster TNT Sports, who has decided not to renew the French league rights for the season that begins Friday<br><br>Fans in other regions are concerned too about whether they&apos;ll be able to see the new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ligue1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ligue1</a> season.<a href="https://t.co/IhCaq2nshR">https://t.co/IhCaq2nshR</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1823461965798498445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Between beIN Media Group and LFP Media, <em>World Soccer Talk </em>understands that announcements about international rights deals will be revealed in the coming days. </p>



<p>It all appears to be quite a scramble as the French league finds itself in a position where it’s trying to market a league without its major star, Kylian Mbappé, who has joined Real Madrid.</p>



<p><em>Photo: LFP Media</em></p>


Ligue 1 returns to beIN SPORTS for start of 2024/25 season

Ligue 1 is back on beIN SPORTS for the beginning of the 2024/25 season after an agreement was made just days before the start.

Ligue 1 returns to beIN SPORTS for start of 2024/25 season - World Soccer Talk

<p class="has-medium-font-size">Exclusive: United Kingdom TV broadcaster TNT Sports has decided not to renew its rights deal with Ligue 1, sources have confirmed to <em>World Soccer Talk</em>. </p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">TNT Sports, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/premier-league-broadcaster-bt-sport-renamed-tnt-sports-20230222-WST-420914.html">previously known as BT Sport</a>, had the exclusive Ligue 1 rights until mid-May 2024, broadcasting more than 200 Ligue 1 games per season. In spite of this, <em>World Soccer Talk </em>has learned that TNT Sports executives informed employees late last week that it was time for a change. As of press time, no UK broadcaster has picked up the rights, so it means fans there cannot watch the French league until a deal materializes with a different broadcaster.</p>



<p>This comes at the same time that the French governing body Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has been struggling to find broadcasters to televise Ligue 1 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. beIN SPORTS’ US rights to Ligue 1 expired at the end of the 2023/24 season but an agreement has been reached to show <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ligue-1-returns-to-bein-sports-for-start-of-2024-25-season/">Ligue 1 games in the USA</a> starting this weekend.</p>



<h2>No Ligue 1 in UK? Relief for fans in France, concerns elsewhere</h2>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Last month, there was great relief from French soccer fans when the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/decision-reached-in-546-million-deal-for-ligue-1-rights-in-france/">domestic TV rights</a> deal was finally agreed. It means that fans of Ligue 1 clubs in France can watch games across beIN SPORTS, DAZN, and <a href="https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2024/08/13/new-agreement-between-canal-and-dazn-for-ligue-1-start/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canal+</a>. With the brand <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">new season starting on Friday</a> in the picturesque port town of Le Havre, the question still looms large. But, this time, it’s about international TV rights.</p>



<p>As things stand, beIN Media Group has been reluctant to continue its partnership to broadcast Ligue 1 outside France.<br><br>That surprisingly includes the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, home to beIN SPORTS which is based in Doha. That part of the world was their only coverage area when beIN SPORTS first launched as the Al Jazeera Media Network back in 2012. <br><br>Over the next decade, beIN SPORTS MENA faced <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/6/16/explainer-the-piracy-case-against-saudis-beoutq-channel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple challenges</a> that led to numerous changes in their offerings. After dropping Serie A broadcasting rights in 2021, beIN SPORTS has also cut France’s top division from its listing, starting this season. Of course, that is unless a late deal can be signed.<br><br>The same is the case for Sub-Saharan Africa viewers with Ligue 1’s long-standing partner Canal + Afrique. Earlier last month, Canal + distanced itself from domestic bidding after a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/ligue-1-domestic-tv-deal-hints-at-shifting-european-climate/">tense legal battle</a> with LFP.<br><br>Previous rightsholders in India, Sports18, are yet to comment on the continued partnership with LFP.</p>



<p><em>World Soccer Talk </em>has reached out to LFP’s Ligue 1 officials for comment.</p>



<h2>What changed to cause broadcasters to not renew?</h2>



<p>When <em>World Soccer Talk </em>spoke with LFP executives late last year, they were optimistic about a new TV rights deal being done.</p>



<p>“Ligue 1 wants to connect with fans in a very different way than before,” LFP Chief Executive Ben Morel said at the time. That included the US broadcast deal it was working on. “We believe we are well primed to be successful there [in the USA],” he added.</p>



<p>Back when Ligue 1 negotiated its previous TV deals with broadcasters, the league was blessed with several world-class stars. The Argentine phenomenon Lionel Messi joined his ex-clubmate Neymar and France’s Kylian Mbappé at PSG in the summer of 2021. Little by little, those players left the club. Gone too were Angel di Maria and Sergio Ramos.<br><br>Certainly, the biggest blow is the departure of Mbappé to Real Madrid. Without him, both PSG and Ligue 1 are much weaker in appealing to sports viewers worldwide. It’s a major blow for both league and Ligue 1’s flagship club.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Le générique de la Ligue 1 McDonald&apos;s pour la saison 2024/2025 !" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7aZ4lHk-QhY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Clubs boosted by transfer signings after French TV deal finalized</h2>



<p>In some ways, the presence of star names at PSG created a gulf between the club owned by <a href="https://www.qsi.com.qa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qatar Sports Investments</a> (QSI) and the rest. But, as it stands, that presented Ligue 1’s only chance to compete with the bigger leagues for signings of superstars.<br><br>That includes convincing the local talents to stay in the league as seen by Desire Doue’s impending transfer with Nasser Al-Khelaifi triumphant against his familiar foe Bayern Munich. PSG already splashed more than $100m before the commitment to the Olympic silver medalist.<br><br>But they’re not the only overspenders this time around. The Olympiques – Lyon and Marseille – invested a lot of money in their respective squads despite missing out on the UEFA Champions League. Adi Hutter’s Monaco will return to Europe’s premier competition and they showed their readiness level with an emphatic 3-0 win in a friendly against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Monday.<br><br>The movements in the transfer market kicked in after LFP secured the domestic TV deal. But Ligue 1 fans from the rest of the world are still waiting for answers. Will they be able to watch France’s top-tier soccer season that begins later this week?</p>



<p><em>Additional reporting by Christopher Harris.</em></p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / Noah Wedel</em>.</p>


Ligue 1 dropped by TNT Sports in UK as concerns rise among fans

Fans who want to watch Ligue 1 in the UK (United Kingdom) are concerned after TNT Sports decided not to renew the rights to the league.

Ligue 1 dropped by TNT Sports in UK as concerns rise among fans - World Soccer Talk

<p>Girondins de Bordeaux has officially learned their fate following recent extreme financial difficulties. The historic French club has dealt with monetary issues for years now. Nevertheless, the situation ultimately reached a crisis in recent weeks. Following an extended period of financial woes, Bordeaux finally <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lessons-learned-from-girondins-de-bordeauxs-financial-collapse/">entered bankruptcy</a>, effectively renouncing their status as a professional club. Bordeaux was relegated to the third tier of French soccer. </p>



<p>The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1</a> team previously thought they found a savior in the Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The American firm, led by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> owner John W. Henry, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/american-liverpool-owners-targeting-bordeaux-takeover/">traveled to France</a> in early July to discuss a potential takeover of Bordeaux. FSG representatives met with club officials, as well as the country’s soccer governing body.</p>



<p>Despite the talks, FSG eventually <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5652410/2024/07/23/bordeaux-relegated-fsg-takeover-liverpool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">backed out</a> of the deal “following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders.” The Americans apparently believed that mounting debts and stadium issues were ultimately too concerning. As a direct result of FSG’s stance, Bordeaux was immediately sent down to the third tier of French soccer. This, however, would unfortunately not be the end of the story for the Girondins.</p>



<h2>Governing body sends Bordeaux to fourth division</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/16034841/Bordeaux-relegated-1-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-519930" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p><em><a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Bordeaux-retrograde-en-national-2-par-la-commission-federale-de-controle-des-clubs-de-la-dncg/1487568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a></em> is now reporting that the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) has ordered Bordeaux down to the National 2. The division is currently the fourth tier in French soccer. The organization is essentially responsible for supervising the financial aspects of professional teams inside the country.</p>



<p>According to the news outlet, Bordeaux argued to remain in the third-tiered Championnat National during a recent hearing. Nonetheless, the DNCG rejected the claims and relegated the club once again. The Girondins most recently competed in Ligue 2 during the 2023/24 season. While they finished middle of the pack in the campaign, Bordeaux was previously relegated due to their aforementioned financial troubles.</p>



<p>The 2024/25 National 2 season will start on August 26th. Both semi-professional and amateur clubs play in the division. Reserve teams of top professional sides can also take part in the league as well. Bordeaux has not yet released an official statement regarding the most recent news. However, they did <a href="https://www.girondins.com/fr/news/39192/les-matches-de-preparation-annules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancel</a> their previously scheduled preseason fixtures for this summer.</p>



<h2>Most Bordeaux players freed from contracts at club</h2>



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<p>With Bordeaux continuing to fall down the French soccer pyramid, drastic changes continue to wreak havoc on the club. Bordeaux released many of the top players within the squad. These players are now free to join any other team they choose.</p>



<p>However, the club made one significant player sale before moving down in the French pyramid. Georgia international Zuriko Davitashvili moved to Saint-Étienne in July for around $6.5 million. Nevertheless, this was the only deal to provide Bordeaux with additional funds. At least five other players have already joined other clubs on free transfers.</p>



<p>The latest move by a now former Bordeaux player was center forward Zan Vipotnik. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/swansea-city-tv-schedule-view-swans-games-on-tv/">Swansea City</a> officially <a href="https://www.swanseacity.com/news/swansea-city-complete-signing-zan-vipotnik" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the incoming transfer on Thursday afternoon. The Slovenian striker will now feature for the Welsh side in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">EFL Championship</a>. In total, Bordeaux had 13 players worth at <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/fc-girondins-bordeaux/kader/verein/40/plus/0/galerie/0?saison_id=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">least $1 million</a> on the roster during the 2023/24 season. They are now almost certain to play the upcoming season in National 2 with zero.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


Bordeaux relegated twice in one week, this time to fourth-tier

Bordeaux has officially been relegated to the National 2 for the next season. It is the second time this summer that they have been relegated.

Bordeaux relegated twice in one week, this time to fourth-tier - World Soccer Talk

<p>Several <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-ligue-un-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Ligue 1</a> clubs are facing bankruptcy due to the league’s unfinished broadcast deal in France. Teams such as Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1 in the 2022/23 season, and eight-time league winners Nantes, could all close their doors depending on the league’s indecisiveness, per a report from L’Equipe. </p>



<p>The LFP, the body that governs France’s domestic leagues, is deciding between a $406 million deal from DAZN for the domestic rights to show games to French audiences or launching a paid streaming service available for anyone to subscribe. </p>



<p>The TV rights deal will have an impact on how active Ligue 1 clubs are in the transfer market, with most clubs waiting for news on a potential breakthrough. The outcome could also determine how the LFP handles negotiations for the media rights to Ligue 1 in the United States.</p>



<h2>Ligue 1 continues vital broadcast deal talks</h2>



<p>Per French outlet <em><a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Droits-tv-les-presidents-des-clubs-de-ligue-1-incapables-de-decider-entre-warner-bros-discovery-et-dazn/1480607">L’Equipe</a></em>, a group of Ligue 1 officials recently met to negotiate their TV rights deal dilemma. They have two options on their table. They could sign an unfavorable deal with DAZN through the 2028-2029 season or launch a streaming service.</p>



<p>The LFP’s domestic TV rights troubles originate from Mediapro’s shock acquisition of the domestic rights for Ligue 1 . After challenging 34-year partner Canal+ in an auction, Mediapro bought the rights for a whopping $882 million per year. However, they <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4130823/2023/02/02/jaume-roures-ligue-1-broadcast-deal/">missed payments</a> due to COVID-induced financial difficulties and paid a $108 million severance fee halfway through the deal. </p>



<p>Now roughly $500 million short of their Mediapro deal, Ligue 1 sold the remaining games to Amazon over Canal+ for a cut-price $280 million. </p>



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<p>Ligue 1 entered the 2023/24 season hoping to auction off the rights for over $850 million but canceled their auction in October after receiving low bids. Canal+ no longer wants the rights to Ligue 1, skipping out in favor of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Champions League</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a>. </p>



<p>With the season due to start in nearly a month, the league is weighing up a $406 million deal from DAZN, half of their previous valuation. DAZN wanted to expand throughout Europe after missing out on the domestic rights to the Premier League, and a struggling Ligue 1 looking for a buyer is their perfect chance to enter France.</p>



<p>Another option for Ligue 1 is launching their over-the-top streaming service. It’s Ligue 1’s last-ditch effort to show their games. They would partner with WarnerBros Discovery to create a non-exclusive streaming service that broadcasts 100% of Ligue 1 games. It would let Ligue 1 show games and make revenue but, at the same time, drastically reduce their exposure to TV audiences. According to reports, the league would price the channel at $27 monthly. Amazon, Molotov TV, and Google TV are also interested in associating with the potential streaming service.</p>



<p>Regardless, the French clubs left, again, without making a decision. It’s marked a tense period of negotiations, with Ligue 1’s value plummeting each week. After the start of the season, Ligue 1 rejected a $433 million deal. They may settle for the $408 million deal, or less, depending on the route they take.</p>



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<h2>Ligue 1’s decision will impact clubs and countries</h2>



<p>If Ligue 1 and club presidents don’t reach a decision soon on their broadcast deal, smaller Ligue 1 clubs could suffer. The newly promoted Auxerre and Angers, along with Lens, Nantes, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/reims-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Reims</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/montpellier-tv-schedule-for-us-viewer/">Montpellier</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brest-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Brest</a>, and Le Havre could all face bankruptcy if Ligue 1 doesn’t settle on a rights deal soon. </p>



<p>Ligue 1 is dependent on TV deals to help stay afloat. Aside from PSG and Lyon, who recently sold over $400 million in assets, Ligue 1 has stayed quiet in the transfer market, anxiously waiting for news of negotiations.</p>



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<p>Lens, who recently played in last year’s Champions League, owes over $100 million and could sell <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> target Elye Wahi. Auxerre reportedly paused some of its transfer plans as it waits for TV rights certainty. Ligue 1’s fall-out is a pivotal moment for the future of its club and the league itself. If the league doesn’t reach an agreement for its domestic rights soon, the league could hurtle towards disbandment.</p>



<p>The news will also have a huge impact on the United States. No broadcaster has acquired the American rights to Ligue 1 after BeIN SPORTS’ contract expired. If Ligue 1 decides to open its streaming service in France, it could do the same in the States.</p>



<p>As of press time, there have been no updates concerning which broadcaster, if any, will land American rights. Previously, Ligue 1 executives have expressed a desire to market their league differently in the United States. For instance, the LFP could <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/10/09/sports-media" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">play</a> some games in America as they search for a new suitor.</p>



<p>“When you consider the national team, young players, the quality of our academies, and the breadth of talent,” LFP CEO Ben Morel <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/ligue-1-knows-it-has-to-change-ahead-of-new-tv-deal-says-exec-20231218-WST-477194.html">told</a> <em>World Soccer Talk</em>. “That has not translated yet into the strength of our league. We need to become more relevant internationally, and the US is a key market to that.”</p>



<p>Ligue 1 will begin on August 18, giving the LFP merely five weeks to sort out their domestic rights difficulties. </p>



<p><em>Photo: Imago</em></p>


Ligue 1 clubs face bankruptcy without a new broadcast deal

Ligue 1 clubs could face bankruptcy in light of their uncertain domestic rights broadcast deal that has yet to be resolved.

Ligue 1 clubs face bankruptcy without a new broadcast deal - World Soccer Talk

<p>To grow in the United States, Ligue 1 has to change.</p>



<p>France’s top division on the men’s side, Ligue Un, has faced challenges in terms of breaking into the US market. PSG has exhibited success both on the pitch and from a marketability standpoint. Still, Ligue Un, or LFP, lags behind the other “big five” European leagues in terms of visibility in the US. Much of this has been due to a deal with beIN Sports. It has been the league’s broadcast partner since 2013. That deal has hamstrung growth in the US market.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recently, World Soccer Talk sat down with LFP Chief Executive Ben Morel. He discussed the league’s strategy for penetrating the US market. </p>



<p>Morel came to Ligue Un earlier in 2023 after a five-year stint as CEO of Six Nations Rugby. Before that, Morel served in various capacities for the NBA for over 20 years. That experience gives Morel an insight into the US market that was previously lacking at Ligue Un.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Morel addressed the broadcast situation with World Soccer Talk. He indicated the league is looking very seriously at how it better engages the US market with its upcoming deal. The current rights package with beIN Sports expires at the end of this season, in June 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>The next US TV deal</h2>



<p>“Ligue 1 wants to connect with fans in a very different way than before,” Morel said. </p>



<p>That includes the US broadcast deal it is currently working on. That is the key part where Morel understands Ligue 1 needs to do things differently. </p>



<p>“We believe we are well primed to be successful there [in the USA].”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond an enhanced broadcast media presence, the league needs to upgrade its visibility in other areas. “We need to improve our grassroots [efforts, upgrade] digitally, we have US players playing in our league we can market. It’s about how we are going to better connect with our fan base and potential fans.”&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16051842/Balogun-Monaco-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-477292" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>The Ligue 1 executive indicated the impending deal will last three to five years. “We want a partner that embraces the ambition for us to tell the right story, we are also leading directly those discussions with the help of Octagon.” </p>



<p>This media firm brokered the first NWSL rights deal with CBS Sports in early 2020.</p>



<p>“We are supported by the <a href="https://www.revolutionworld.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rEvolution</a> [agency] who are helping with our marketing and preparing the marketplace for the next season,” Morel continued. “We are working with the best agencies to help prepare the marketplace to work with a future broadcaster, which is about really creating something relevant for our US fans.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is a clear sign that Ligue Un knows it must pivot to another broadcaster in the United States. Simultaneously the league must upgrade the visibility and relevance of its product to work with a new media partner.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>American Investment in French soccer as a potential driver of US interest</h2>



<p>In recent years, American investors have seen France as an attractive target for new investment in the game. Multiple high-profile French clubs have either majority owners that are from the US or strategic investments from US-based firms. Morel sees that as an opportunity to build the Ligue Un footprint in the US as well with this increased investment into the league from the US,</p>



<p>“Yeah, we are extremely pleased to see all this investment coming from the US for many years. We see ourselves in French football as one of the best in the world if not the best. When you consider the national team, young players, the quality of our academies, and the breadth of talent. That has not translated yet into the strength of our league. We need to become more relevant internationally, and the US is a key market to that.”</p>



<h2>Elite young talents and street culture provide a connection to the USA</h2>



<p>The young-player advantage of Ligue Un Morel feels represents an opportunity in the US market. </p>



<p>“Because of the level of talent that’s coming through our league each year, we have a long-term strategy of how we are going to retain them. The way we are going to grow revenues is one component of this, the way we’re going to reward European performances with additional revenue is part of this, so there’s lots of potential. We are probably behind in terms of international activity in terms of communications but at the same time, we have to plan for the US market. </p>



<p>“I spent 20 years very successfully promoting the NBA, so now I know what it takes to market a French property in the US. You need time and resources, we have that. But also, we need to connect with all angles possible. </p>



<p>“It starts with a strong broadcast relationship, which is fundamental. We are in the process of discussing strong alliances with US broadcasters. That’s our goal. We want to be, the league of diversity, we believe French football has that specificity. We have a diversity of talent, in our youth of cultures. France combined that talent and street culture in our football. We have the street credibility and culture. The two aspects resonate with both France and the US. You see it with the NBA’s success in France and we believe you will see it with French soccer in the US.”&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16051841/Mbappe-Ligue-1-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-477293" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Better storytelling and development of content to connect with US fans</h2>



<p>In terms of marketing individual clubs and storylines, La Liga recently set up a studio exclusively dedicated to developing content for the North American market. Following up on the success of the Premier League in creating context, storyline, and color behind its product in the US, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue Un</a> is planning to ramp up its efforts at original storytelling as well as developing the brand identities of its clubs in the US market.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s absolutely fundamental [to market clubs] as part of the new brand platform we’re developing for the 2024-25 season. We are in the authentic unscripted storytelling business. The US audience wants to know the character of the show, who is playing, what’s the story behind it. Because of the diversity of our league, we have fascinating stories to tell. With our strong investment in new content development which will be very relevant in our key international markets of which the US is number one, we will be telling stories in a unique and effective way.”</p>



<p>PSG is a very well-known brand in mainstream US sports culture, but beyond that club, French soccer falls into a smaller vacuum in the United States. One of Ligue Un’s challenges in this market is to improve the visibility and supportability of other clubs. Morel feels the recent success of other clubs such as Lyon, Lille, Monaco, and others can help. </p>



<p>“PSG is a wonderful leader for us in spearheading our efforts,” Morel said. “They have become a true brand that spans the globe but especially in the US. But our job as a league is to promote the diversity of all our teams and the way those clubs approach local culture. Look at Lens, who finished just one point back last year [behind PSG]. They have a local culture and captivate a whole region. They are in the Champions League this year. Toulouse recently had a win against Liverpool in European competition. All of this creates additional stories. We reduced [the size of the first division] from 20 teams to 18, and that gives us the ability to tell a strong story about competition for European places.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Bottom Line</h2>



<p>Ligue Un realizes it is behind other top European leagues in penetrating the US market but is quickly pivoting on multiple fronts to grow its profile and relevance for US fans.&nbsp;This process includes securing a better media deal than the league currently has as well as leveraging key stories and other advantages such as youth players and street culture in the US market.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


Ligue 1 knows it has to change ahead of new TV deal says exec

In an exclusive interview with an LFP executive, we discuss why Ligue 1 has to change to grow in the United States ahead of a new TV deal.

Ligue 1 knows it has to change ahead of new TV deal says exec - World Soccer Talk

<p>The Real Federación Española de Fútbol (the Spanish FA) released the full schedule for the 2010-11 La Liga season, and Jornada 1 will be held on the last weekend of August.&nbsp; Both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will commence their campaigns away from home as they visit Mallorca and Racing de Santander respectively.&nbsp; Real Sociedad, the Basque football entity that spent the last two years in the Segunda División after establishing themselves in the Primera División for the previous forty seasons, will make their triumphant return to the top level of the Spanish pyramid against Villarreal.&nbsp; The last match of the first round of fixtures will be held that Monday night as Atlético Madrid hosts Sporting de Gijón at the Estadio Vicente Calderón.</p>
<p>Here are the full schedule of the opening round of the La Liga season on August 28-30:</p>
<p>Mallorca – Real Madrid</p>
<p>Hércules – Athletic Bilbao</p>
<p>Racing de Santander – FC Barcelona</p>
<p>Málaga – Valencia</p>
<p>Deportivo La Coruña – Real Zaragoza</p>
<p>Levante – Sevilla</p>
<p>Espanyol – Getafe</p>
<p>Real Sociedad – Villarreal</p>
<p>Osasuna – Almería</p>
<p>Atlético Madrid – Sporting Gijón</p>
<p>El Clásico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be held on the November 27 weekend (Jornada 13) at the Camp Nou and the April 16 weekend (Jornada 32) at the Santiago Bernabéu, where José Mourinho will reacquaint himself with Pep Guardiola after Mourinho’s Inter Milan eliminated Barcelona in last season’s UEFA Champions League.</p>
<p>Other derbies of note include the Basque derby between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in Rounds 14 and 33, the Valencian derby between Valencia and Villarreal in Rounds 12 and 31, el derbi Barceloní between Espanyol and Barcelona in Rounds 16 and 35, and el Derbi madrileño between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in Rounds 10 and 29.</p>
<p>If the races for the title, Champions League places, Europa League places, and relegation come down to the final day, as it has for the past few seasons, here are the final round of fixtures:</p>
<p>Real Madrid – Almería</p>
<p>Osasuna – Villarreal</p>
<p>Real Sociedad – Getafe</p>
<p>Espanyol – Sevilla</p>
<p>Levante – Real Zaragoza</p>
<p>Deportivo La Coruña – Valencia</p>
<p>Málaga – Barcelona</p>
<p>Racing de Santander – Athletic Bilbao</p>
<p>Hércules – Sporting Gijón</p>
<p>Mallorca – Atlético Madrid</p>
<p>For the rest of the schedule, refer to the RFEF website <a href="http://www.rfef.es/index.jsp?nodo=289">here</a>.&nbsp; La Liga will continue with one Monday match every round, and a Friday fixture may be included by the start of the season.&nbsp; While Real Madrid and Barcelona will likely lead the way as per usual, the revamped Valencia lineup, the continued solidity of Sevilla, and the always dangerous Villarreal will challenge the duopoly all season, and Hércules and Real Sociedad will surprise many as they return to La Liga.</p>


La Liga Fixtures for the 2010-11 Season

La Liga Fixtures for the 2010-11 Season - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_2984" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2010/03/Athletic-Club-Getafe.jpg"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2984" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2984" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2010/03/Athletic-Club-Getafe.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332"></figure></div></a><p id="caption-attachment-2984" class="wp-caption-text">Referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull had many situations with which to deal in this match.</p></div>
<p>While Real Madrid and Barcelona run away from the rest of the field in the struggle for the La Liga title, the tussle for the next four European spots is just as fascinating.&nbsp; The mix of teams truly runs the gamut from the usuals to the upstarts.</p>
<p>Sevilla and Valencia continue to be the consistent teams that finish in the top five.&nbsp; Deportivo La Coruña is trying to regain their European pedigree that glittered the Galicians from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s.&nbsp; Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca have ridden the roller coaster in the past decade, from top-ten finishes to relegation scares in other years.&nbsp; Then there is Getafe, the little team from the outskirts of Madrid that has actually competed in European competition more recently than Athletic, Mallorca, or Depor.</p>
<p>In the early Saturday kickoff, Athletic Club and Getafe squared off in San Mamés in a match that included direct consequences to the European race.&nbsp; Unlike most leagues, if clubs are tied on points at the end of the season, the first tiebreaker is the head-to-head record.&nbsp; In the reverse fixture in October, Getafe handled the Basques with little problem 2-0, although that game occurred at a time when Athletic reeled from losing four of their previous six matches.&nbsp; Now that the end-of-season possibilities become much clearer, both of these teams had plenty of incentive to take the three points with Europe in the front of their minds.</p>
<p>This was Getafe’s first match since they received the news that Roberto Soldado would be out of action for a month and a half with a torn meniscus in his right knee.&nbsp; Miku, the striker that Getafe got on a free transfer in January from Valencia, became the natural replacement for Soldado as the lone striker in Getafe’s 4-2-3-1 formation.</p>
<p>Getafe’s back line was a bit of a hodgepodge because right back Miguel Torres filled in as a central defender in place of Cata Díaz, and David Cortés got a rare start at right back.&nbsp; Preparing a makeshift defense to face a fierce three-pronged Athletic attack, especially at San Mamés, was one of the top priorities for Getafe manager Míchel heading into Saturday.</p>
<p>Athletic Club, however, had its regular players ready for selection against Getafe.&nbsp; In their 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijón last weekend, Athletic missed another penalty that cost them points.&nbsp; That time, it was Igor Gabilondo that was denied, and with none of the relevant teams in the European scrap winning last weekend, Athletic threw away two more vital points that would have tied them with Sevilla at fourth place.</p>
<p>When Athletic plays at home, they tend to play more football on the ground than in the air, and they ratchet up their typical physical play.&nbsp; Saturday’s match was no exception, and when Pablo Orbaiz scored in the 14th minute for Athletic, they deserved to be in the lead.&nbsp; Bilbao’s manager Joaquin Caparrós employed his tactics to perfection, as his team pushed around Getafe, and <em>El Geta</em> had no answer.&nbsp; Even though Getafe played with more of the ball, Athletic did not allow them to flow with their usual fluidity.&nbsp; The only way that Getafe could get into the match was through an Athletic mistake, and that mistake transpired in the 32nd minute, when Manu del Moral’ shot/cross somehow sneaked past Gorka Iraizoz to equalize 1-1.</p>
<p>The Getafe attack seemed to have passed, and Manu’s cross from the left flank initially looked harmless, but Bilbao central defender Mikel San José, on loan from Liverpool, decided to let the ball go at the last second towards Iraizoz instead of clearing it, and Iraizoz could not adjust himself in time when he realized the ball was coming toward him.&nbsp; The ball nestled into the side netting, and the shock and frustration from that conceded goal spilled over in the 37th minute when Pablo Orbaiz was sent off with a red card.</p>
<p>After Orbaiz suffered a late challenge from David Cortés, Orbaiz retaliated by viciously kicking David Cortés in the  groin.&nbsp; Cortés received a yellow card for the tackle on Orbaiz, but Orbaiz’s indemnity for the tackle was uncalled for and potentially damaging for Athletic in the long run, as he will likely be suspended for more than one match.</p>
<p>Athletic continued their on-the-edge physical style when Carlos Gurpegui was cautioned for studding Javier Casquero’s ankle late in the first half.</p>
<p>To start the second half, Caparrós made an aggressive and positive substitution by inserting Iker Muniain in place of Gabilondo on the left side of Fernando Llorente.&nbsp; Gabilondo ghosted through the first half, and whether David Cortés gave him fits down the left flank, or he had not recovered from his missed penalty hangover, Caparrós made the right move by giving Muniain a chance to spark his ten-man team.</p>
<p>Muniain did just as he was prescribed, catalyzing an attack that nearly gave Gaizka Toquero a tap-in to give Athletic the 2-1 edge.&nbsp; In the 51st minute, Muniain performed some fancy dribbling to lay it off for Andoni Iraola, and Iraola’s hit his squared ball across the face of goal a shade too hard for Gaizka Toquero to get a toe on it, and it flashed just past the left far post.</p>
<p>With the game opened up completely with only twenty-one players on the pitch, Getafe expectedly had the upper hand, but Athletic endeavored into Getafe’s final third quite often, especially since the inclusion of Iker Muniain.</p>
<p>The game came to a lull until Miguel Torres brought down Markel Susaeta in the box to give Athletic a penalty kick to regain the lead.&nbsp; Torres received a straight red card for a “pull” on the shirt of Susaeta in the box on top of his yellow card he received earlier in the match.&nbsp; There was little to no contact from Torres on Susaeta, but Torres caused the problem when he tried to shepherd the ball back to Getafe goalkeeper Jordi Codina but could not reach Codina before Susaeta got there.</p>
<div id="attachment_3001" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2010/03/Fernando-Llorente-Penalty.jpg"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3001" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3001" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2010/03/Fernando-Llorente-Penalty.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332"></figure></div></a><p id="caption-attachment-3001" class="wp-caption-text">Fernando Llorente squeezed his penalty past Jordi Codina.</p></div>
<p>The penalty responsibility laid upon their talisman Fernando Llorente, and Athletic’s poor three for seven conversion rate from the penalty spot this year could easily have weighed on Llorente’s mind as he stepped up to take the penalty.&nbsp; Maybe that was on his mind, but he did not show it as he stroked the ball into the back of the net.&nbsp; Codina guessed the right way, but Llorente placed it in the corner, where Codina could not get a hand onto it.</p>
<p>The lead did not last long, as Pedro León completely baffled Carlos Gurpegui with a couple of cutbacks in the box, and Gurpegui could only recover enough to partially deflect Pedro León’s shot and fool Iraizoz as it went past him.&nbsp; A 2-2 final that both teams would feel as though they should have earned the full three points.</p>
<p>What a match for referee Alfonso Pérez Burrull to call.&nbsp; A couple of weeks ago, after a horrific performance in the Atlético Madrid – Valencia match, the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) suspended Pérez Burrull for a couple of matches.&nbsp; Unfortunately known for his high-profile gaffes, Pérez Burrull had to control a match that was on the verge of chaos.&nbsp; The belief is that a strong referee can limit a match from becoming out of control, and while in most cases that is true, the referee can do little if the players have it in their mind to follow through on their cynical ideas.</p>
<p>Athletic Club is one of the hardest teams for referees to call in La Liga because their physical style borders on the line from legal to illegal.&nbsp; Maybe Pérez Burrull could have warned both teams earlier when the challenges flew around with little abandon, but he could not prevent what Pablo Orbaiz did to David Cortés.&nbsp; In addition, the other talking point was the penalty and subsequent red card he brandished to Miguel Torres late in the match.&nbsp; Yes, the contact was minimal, but Torres did prevent Susaeta from a goal-scoring opportunity, and Pérez Burrull had little choice in the matter.</p>
<p>The referee aside, Athletic can only blame itself for surrendering two points to Getafe.&nbsp; <em>Los Azulones</em> are a solid team, but they lacked their top scorer, and Athletic’s supernal home form would suggest a win against Getafe.&nbsp; Luckily, for Athletic, none of the teams with whom they are involved in the competition for Europe strung a series of positive results that would have put Bilbao in a severe uphill climb.&nbsp; Eleven matches remain, and if Athletic can stay disciplined for those upcoming matches, they can easily qualify for Europe due to placement in the league, not because they were the losing team in the Copa del Rey final.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em><strong>Fueras de Juego</strong></em></span></p>
<p>– Sevilla’s malaise continues as Espanyol thrived on <em>Los Nervionenses</em>‘ impotent performance with an easy 2-0 win.&nbsp; Aside from the match itself, the fans at the Cornellà – El Prat paid a poignant tribute to both teams’ fallen players, Daniel Jarque and Antonio Puerta.&nbsp; All season long, the Espanyol fans all clap in unison during the 21st minute in honor of their previous captain Daniel Jarque, who wore the number 21 and who tragically died in the preseason from a heart attack.&nbsp; If there were any team that would know this pain, it would be Sevilla because in August of 2007, they lost their own player, Antonio Puerta, to a cardiac arrest.&nbsp; When the game reached the 16th minute, the Espanyol fans stood up and clapped for that whole minute in honor of Antonio Puerta, who wore the number 16.</p>
<p>– Three golazos of the week.&nbsp; The golazo for pure technique goes to Felipe Mattioni of Mallorca.&nbsp; Mallorca kept its stellar home form with a 4-1 dismissal of Atlético Madrid, and the exclamation point for the islanders was Felipe Mattioni’s exquisite volley in the 90th minute that astonished Atleti goalkeeper David de Gea.&nbsp; From a curling cross from the left flank, Mattioni side-volleyed a bullet that required perfect timing and technique from twenty-five yards.</p>
<p>– David Silva provided the golazo of the week for pure improvisation as his Valencia team struck an impressive 2-0 victory over an Almería team that could be argued as the third best team in La Liga in the second half of the season.&nbsp; Knocked down on the floor from a Santi Acasiete tackle, Silva still possessed the presence of mind to keep himself involved in the play, and from the seat of his pants, he swept and hooked the ball into goal past a diving Diego Alves.</p>
<p>– In Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in Barcelona’s 2-4 win against a tough Real Zaragoza side when they play at home in La Romareda, his second goal was the golazo of the week for pure determination.&nbsp; Not known for his physical prowess, Messi bullied the ball away from Ander Herrera near the halfway line, and he proceeded to go on a mazy run, skipping past a sliding Jiri Jarošik, then cutting back twice against Matteo Contini, who screwed himself into the ground with the twist and turns that Messi forced them to do, and ultimately shooting across the face of goal and past Roberto to give Barça the 0-2 lead.&nbsp; In contrast to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s glaring misses, Messi’s ingenuity continues to awe.</p>

La Liga Review: Athletic Bilbao Misses An Opportunity To Inch Closer to a Champions League Spot

La Liga Review: Athletic Bilbao Misses An Opportunity To Inch Closer to a Champions League Spot - World Soccer Talk

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