DAZN and Disney+ networks have acquired the broadcasting rights for Spanish League (La Liga) matches in France instead of the beIN Sports network, the official broadcaster of the tournament since 2012, starting from this season and for the next three seasons.
The "Foot Mercato" website described this news as a shock in the French media scene.
Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish League Association, justified this step by confirming his desire to improve viewership rates and increase the spread of his product.
He added: "After many years of complete satisfaction with beIN Sports, we needed change. This change will come with Disney+ and DAZN. Both providers will offer all matches of every round, meaning they will offer the same product."
He continued: "Fans will be able to choose the platform they wish to subscribe to. I think this is a big advantage for French and Spanish football fans. These are two different platforms: one specializes in sports, while Disney+ is not limited to sports content only."
He pointed out: "In our opinion, they will complement each other perfectly in France. These are two new and innovative platforms that will allow the public to follow our competitions. We hope we have made the right decision, reach the largest possible number of fans, and allow them to choose the platform they prefer."
For its part, the "beIN Sports" network responded to this decision saying, according to what the French website reported: "Managing a television channel is not like the transfer market, where you win or lose players to another club. It is a sound economic issue, and an understanding of our audience and their viewing habits."
It added: "We have the necessary rights, at the right price, and 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 solid partnership with Canal+ channel."
It concluded: "The Spanish League Association has now chosen to split its rights between two channels. One of them has already failed after just one season with the French League. The other is still completely absent from the French market."
