French football’s television economy faces another uneasy night. With a new Ligue 1 rights process expected within weeks, LFP Media has urged the government to abandon a planned rise in VAT on sports broadcasting subscriptions, warning that clubs, viewers and the wider game could all feel the consequences.
Tax proposal raises concern before rights market test
The 2027 finance bill includes a proposal to lift VAT on audiovisual offers carrying live sport from 10% to 20% from 1 January.
LFP Media, the commercial arm of the Ligue de Football Professionnel, believes the measure would arrive at a particularly sensitive moment. The league is likely to launch a call for bids for Ligue 1 domestic broadcasting rights covering the 2029-34 cycle in the coming weeks.
Olivier Bramly, LFP Media’s chief executive, wrote on Tuesday to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Economy Minister Roland Lescure, Public Action and Accounts Minister David Amiel, and Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. His intervention came before a Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for Thursday, when the tax issue was due to be discussed.
- The proposed VAT rate would double from 10% to 20% for subscriptions to audiovisual sports content.
- Broadcasters and distributors could see their net-of-tax revenue reduced if they absorb the increase.
- If the whole additional cost is passed on, subscribers would face a sharper rise in prices.
- LFP Media fears more expensive offers could become less appealing and harder to grow commercially.
- That weaker commercial environment could affect what operators are prepared to pay for Ligue 1 rights.
Ligue 1+ development at stake
Bramly argued that the ability of media operators to buy and exploit audiovisual rights is central to the financing of professional football in France. A deterioration in the broadcasting business, he said, could ultimately reduce income for competitions and clubs.
The consequences could also reach amateur football through the Buffet tax mechanism, under which 5% is levied for the benefit of grassroots sport.
The letter gave particular emphasis to Ligue 1+, the platform run directly by LFP Media in the domestic market since August 2025. The service is part of a wider effort to raise the value of the championship’s media rights and provide more sustainable funding for clubs.
LFP Media said a higher tax burden on Ligue 1+ subscriptions would restrict the financial room available for investment in production, distribution and improvements to the customer experience. It also warned that the change would not only affect its own direct-to-consumer model, but the sale of rights to outside broadcasters.
Call for the proposal to be withdrawn
In its message to ministers, LFP Media said the tax rise could weaken the economic attractiveness of Ligue 1 just as the French market is being sounded out for the next rights cycle.
The organisation has asked the government to remove the measure, arguing that its impact must be assessed across the entire chain: broadcasters, rights holders, professional clubs and consumers.
