Canal+ seals beIN distribution and sublicensing deal

Canal+ and beIN Sports have entered into an exclusive distribution and sublicensing deal.

The closed deal is the culmination of talks that were announced in December 2019.

Under the agreement, beIN Sports’ premium channels will be offered within Canal+ offers. Canal+ will also be the exclusive distributor of beIN Sports channels to all third-party providers across all platforms in France.

In terms of rights, Canal+ will be buoyed by the addition of beIN’s Ligue 1 football rights from 2020-24. Starting from the 2020/21 season, Canal+ will broadcast two games on each match day. A statement from beIN said that this will include “28 of the top 38” games.

This is a renewable deal, running for five years.

The parties were keen to stress that they will both retain their brand identities and editorial autonomy. More importantly, they will continue to respond independently to sports rights tenders.

Yousef Al-Obaidly, president of beIN Sports France and CEO of beIN Media Group, said: “The French sports TV market faces a fascinating few years ahead as the over-crowded market inevitably undergoes some radical change. Broadcasters with premium content who have paid proportion rights fees – supported by rational business plans – will thrive. This is precisely where beIN Sports is now positioned thanks to this partnership with Canal+. This partnership is a major step in our ambitious long-term growth plans for France.”

Maxime Saada, chairman of the Canal+ Group executive board, said: “We are delighted with the partnership with beIN SPORTS, whose amazing sport offer perfectly complements our own one. This partnership, which is great news both for our subscribers and all sports fans, will enable Canal+ to continue to broadcast Ligue 1 beyond the current season with 28 of the top 38 games of each season exclusive until 2024. We are very honored by the trust that beIN Sports places in us to distribute its channels in France”

This agreement follows the December announcement that a joint bid from Canal+ and beIN was successful in securing the broadcast rights to the Uefa Champions League for the 2021-24 seasons.