Ligue 1+ Adds Exclusive Ligue 3 Broadcasting in Major Platform Expansion.

Roger Hampel

Image: LFP

LFP Media has confirmed that Ligue 1+ will become the exclusive broadcaster of Ligue 3 from the start of the 2026/27 season, bringing every match from France’s third division onto the league’s streaming platform.

The move broadens the role of Ligue 1+ within French football and strengthens the league’s direct-to-consumer strategy at a time when sports organisations are increasingly looking to control distribution, production and audience engagement through their own ecosystems.

Ligue 1+ Broadens Its Role Within French Football Ligue 1+

Starting on 6 August, all nine Ligue 3 fixtures from each round will be available live on Ligue 1+. The weekly schedule will begin with a featured Thursday night match supported by an expanded production setup that includes on-site commentators and pitchside reporting.

The remaining fixtures will be shown on Saturday afternoons through a dedicated multiplex structure, while still remaining individually accessible in full.

The agreement also increases the overall volume of live content available on the platform. Ligue 1+ stated that from next season it expects to deliver close to 25 hours of live football coverage every week across its programming.

Centralised Distribution Gives Ligue 3 Greater Visibility

The decision gives Ligue 3 significantly broader visibility than in previous years, where access to matches was often fragmented across different broadcasters and local arrangements. Centralising the competition under Ligue 1+ creates a more stable distribution structure while also giving clubs stronger national exposure.

Digital distribution also forms part of the strategy. Ligue 1+ plans to publish near-live clips and additional editorial content throughout match weekends across its social channels, extending the reach of Ligue 3 beyond traditional live broadcasts.

The wider visibility could improve sponsorship value, increase audience accessibility and strengthen the commercial positioning of clubs operating outside the top flight.