Extension of the duration of contracts for the marketing of audiovisual exploitation rights for the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 championships

On this September 12th, the launch by French Professional Football League of its call for tenders for the marketing of audiovisual exploitation rights of the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 championships for the period 2024-2029.

In this context, Decree n° 2023-864 of September 8, 2023 relating to the marketing of audiovisual exploitation rights mentioned in article L. 333-2 of the Sports Code published in the official journal of September 9 increases the maximum duration of contracts from four to five years which may be concluded in this respect.

Remember that in application of article L. 333-2 of the Sports Code, the audiovisual exploitation rights transferred to sports companies are marketed by the professional league under conditions and limits specified by decree of the Council of State.

This marketing is carried out with the creation of batches, for a limited period so far of four years, and in compliance with competition rules.

The decree thus extends the duration of contracts concluded for the marketing of audiovisual exploitation rights for sports competitions transferred to sports companies pursuant to the second paragraph of Article L. 333-1 from four to five years.

The decree also provides that, like the league, the commercial company mentioned in article L. 333-2-1 of the Sports Code must reject proposals for global or coupled offers as well as those which are matched of a price supplement.

Let us hope that this legislative modification will allow French clubs to best attract different operators.