Walt Disney Co. and Skydance Corp. are both exploring bids for the TV rights to French football's Ligue 1, marking their first foray into the market. The move comes as the league seeks to recover from years of declining revenue. Last week, the French Professional Football League opened a tender for domestic audiovisual rights covering the 2027 to 2032 seasons, with bids due by December 3.
The auction represents a significant opportunity for Ligue 1 to revitalize its financial standing. Both Disney and Skydance are considering entering the bidding process, according to sources familiar with the situation. This would be the first time either company has pursued French football rights.
The tender process aims to secure stable broadcasting deals that could help the league regain its footing after a period of financial struggles. The involvement of major American entertainment companies highlights the growing global interest in European football leagues.