Consequences for Ligue 1 when Mbappe leaves

The French National Championship - Ligue 1 - could lose more than 150 million USD in television copyright fees in the next 5 years, if superstar number one Kylian Mbappe leaves PSG to play abroad from this summer.

French football is in turmoil over the news that Mbappe will leave PSG after his contract expires in June 2024. The contract between the pair has a one-year extension option, but the French striker has not activated this clause.

In addition to PSG's serious loss of power, Ligue 1's economic leverage could also be severely affected. According to Spanish newspaper AS , France's top soccer league will lose more than 140 million euros ($151 million) in television rights over the next five years.

PSG striker Kylian Mbappe tries to finish during the 1-1 draw with Brest in round 19 of Ligue 1 at Parc des Princes, Paris on January 28. Photo: AP

According to this source, Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) - the French governing body that runs major professional football leagues in France - is negotiating to sell Ligue 1's television rights for five seasons from 2024-2029, and Mbappe's departure from France will weaken their negotiating position.

Although the LFP insists that Mbappe's departure from PSG will not have a major impact, the reality is that Ligue 1's TV rights could be reduced by up to 20% compared to the initial amount they put on the negotiating table. Many partners believe that the 1 billion euro figure that LFP president Vincent Labrune has offered for the 2024-2029 rights package is too high.

Ligue 1's reputation is being severely affected, as a series of stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Marco Verratti and Sergio Ramos all have new destinations in the summer of 2023. With the possibility of Mbappe leaving PSG to join another big club in Europe, domestic and international TV stations in France are showing less enthusiasm for the tournament, but are turning to emerging tournaments such as MLS and Saudi Pro League with a higher level of interest. This will also have a huge impact on PSG and the whole Ligue 1 in terms of attracting new players and revenue.

Neymar, Kylian Mbappe (center) and Lionel Messi before the Ligue 1 match between PSG and Troyes at Parc des Princes, Paris on October 29, 2022. Photo: AFP

In October 2023, Canal+ - Ligue 1's long-term TV partner - refused to buy the rights to the tournament, claiming that "their audience prefers rugby to football". Qatari TV channel beIN Sports is considered a potential candidate and is expected to make an offer of around €600 million. But this figure could fall if Mbappe's departure from PSG is confirmed.

"French football is in peril after it was announced that Ligue 1's biggest asset - Mbappe - will leave the league before the 2024-2025 season," AS commented.

Hong Duy

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