La Liga switches French broadcast rights to DAZN and Disney+ as beIN SPORTS issues strong response

La Liga’s French broadcast rights have been awarded to DAZN and Disney+ for the next three seasons, ending beIN SPORTS’ run as the competition’s official broadcaster since 2012.

The decision has been described as a major shock to the French media landscape by French website Foot Mercato, with La Liga president Javier Tebas outlining the league’s hopes of reaching a wider audience and improving viewing figures.

Under the new arrangement, both DAZN and Disney+ will show every match from each round of La Liga. Supporters will therefore be able to choose which platform they want to subscribe to, although the two services have different approaches to sport and entertainment.

“After many years of complete satisfaction with beIN SPORTS, we needed a change. That change will come with Disney+ and DAZN. Both providers will show all the matches from every round, meaning they will offer the same product,” Tebas said.

“Fans will be able to choose the platform they wish to subscribe to. I believe this is a major advantage for French and Spanish football supporters. These are two different platforms: one specialises in sport, while Disney+ is not limited to sports content.”

Tebas added that the two broadcasters could complement one another in France and said the league hoped the decision would help it attract as many viewers as possible.

“In our view, they will complement each other extremely well in France. These are two new and innovative platforms that will allow audiences to follow our competition. We hope we have made the right decision, that we reach as many fans as possible and that we give them the opportunity to choose their preferred platform,” he said.

beIN SPORTS responded firmly to the decision, according to the French website, arguing that the loss of La Liga should not be viewed in the same way as a footballer moving from one club to another.

“Running a television channel is not like the transfer market, where you gain or lose players to another club. It is a matter of sound economics, and of understanding our audience and their viewing habits,” the broadcaster said.

beIN SPORTS also insisted that it remained focused on its wider portfolio and long-term strategy.

“We have the rights we need, at the right price, with the right partners. We have had exceptional coverage of the 2026 World Cup, and there are other important rights on the way. We have a long-term business plan and a strong partnership with Canal+,” it added.

The broadcaster also criticised La Liga’s decision to divide the French rights between two platforms.

“La Liga has now chosen to split its rights between two channels. One of them already failed after just one season with Ligue 1. The other is still completely absent from the French market,” beIN SPORTS said.

La Liga’s decision brings an end to beIN SPORTS’ role as the competition’s French broadcaster after more than a decade. DAZN and Disney+ will now take over coverage for the current campaign and the following two seasons.