Dazn Demands €573 Million from Ligue 1, Accusing Breach of Contract
Dazn, the British streaming platform, is embroiled in a notable legal battle with the ligue 1, demanding €573 million in damages. The platform alleges the league breached their contract, citing issues with the quality of the Ligue 1 product and operational difficulties.
Financial Demands
Dazn’s claim before the Paris Commercial Court includes €309 million for “deception on goods” and €264 million for “observed breach.” This substantial sum stems from the platform’s assertion that the league’s performance fell short of agreed-upon standards.
- Dazn broadcasts 8 Ligue 1 games per championship day.
- The annual contract value is €400 million until 2029.
Dispute Details
The dispute centers on several key points, including the difficulties Dazn faced with hacking and the perceived lack of cooperation from certain clubs in enhancing the Ligue 1 product. This, in turn, impacted the platform’s ability to deliver a satisfactory viewing experience to its subscribers.
Financial Fallout
Dazn’s refusal to pay the full amount due in February has triggered a cascade of financial repercussions. The Ligue 1 clubs are already facing a severe financial crisis, exacerbated by the reduced TV rights following the agreement with Dazn last summer.
The LFP responded by drawing on its reserve fund to support the clubs’ financial needs. The league also initiated summary proceedings against Dazn before the Paris Commercial court,with a decision expected by February 28.
Subscriber Numbers and Contract Clauses
Dazn’s claim of only 500,000 subscribers in France falls substantially short of the projected 1.5 million. This discrepancy further fuels the tension between the two parties.
Both dazn and the LFP hold clauses allowing them to terminate the contract in December 2025,adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
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